Casey Stoney was born in Basildon, Essex, England. She developed a love for football in a period when the sport was heavily male-dominated, with few opportunities for girls to participate at a high level. However, she joined local boys’ teams, often being the only girl, and quickly gained a reputation for her skill and resilience.

By her teenage years, she was recognised as one of the most promising young talents in English women’s football. At 12, she joined the Chelsea Ladies youth academy.

Casey Stoney | Senior Playing Career

In 1992, at 17, she joined Arsenal’s senior team from the Chelsea youth academy. She quickly established herself as a formidable defender, known for her versatility and tactical intelligence. 

In 2002, she moved to Charlton Athletic, where her career truly began to flourish. At Charlton, she became a central figure, demonstrating her defensive strength and leadership abilities, which would later earn her the captaincy.

When Charlton disbanded their women’s team in 2007 when the men’s team was relegated, Casey moved to Chelsea, where she stayed for two seasons. In 2011, she joined Lincoln Ladies (later known as Notts County Ladies after a rebranding), where she made 38 appearances.

It was back to north London in 2014 when Casey rejoined Arsenal. Having never made her mark on the team during her first stint at the club, the second time round saw her establish herself in the first-team defence. Casey moved to her final club, Liverpool, in 2016, where she played for the last two years of her career.

Casey Stoney | International Career

Casey earned her first senior cap for England in 2000 and went on to make 130 appearances, marking her as one of England’s most-capped players.

Her defensive skills and leadership were crucial to the national team’s success. She played in several major tournaments, including the UEFA Women’s European Championships and the FIFA Women’s World Cups. In 2012, she was named England captain.

Casey also captained Team Great Britain in the 2012 London Olympics, where the team reached the quarterfinals—a major achievement for women’s football as the sport gained greater visibility and support in the UK. 

Casey Stoney | Transition to Coaching 

After retiring as a player in 2018, Casey immediately transitioned into coaching, where she continued to make an impact. She was appointed as the first head coach of the newly formed Manchester United Women’s team. Under her guidance, Manchester United Women won the FA Women’s Championship in their debut season and earned promotion to the Women’s Super League (WSL), the top tier of English women’s football.

Casey’s success at Manchester United Women drew praise for her tactical insights, player management, and commitment to developing young talent. 

In 2021, she embarked on a new challenge, joining the San Diego Wave, a newly established team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States. The move allowed her to bring her expertise to a new market, and her appointment was seen as a landmark for the league, highlighting the growing international reputation of English women’s football.

Casey Stoney | Achievements as a Player

Arsenal

FA Women’s Premier League National Division: 2000–01, 2001–02

Women’s FA Cup: 2001, 2014, 2016

FA Women’s League Cup: 2015

FA Women’s Premier League Cup: 1999/2000, 2000/01

Women’s FA Community Shield: 2000, 2001

Charlton Athletic

Women’s FA Cup: 2004/05

FA Women’s Premier League Cup: 2003/04, 2005/06

Women’s FA Community Shield: 2004

England

UEFA Women’s Championship runner-up: 2009

FIFA Women’s World Cup third place: 2015

Casey Stoney | Managerial Achievements

Manchester United

FA Women’s Championship: 2018/19

San Diego Wave

NWSL Shield: 2023

NWSL Challenge Cup: 2024

In November 2018, February 2019, and April 2019, Casey was awarded the League Manager’s Association Manager of the Month award. She also received the honour of the Women’s Super League Manager of the Month in November 2020 and December 2020. The National Women’s Soccer League awarded her Coach of the Year in 2022.

Casey Stoney | LGBT

In 2014, Casey officially came out as a lesbian. She has made significant contributions to advancing LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity, especially within sports. Casey was previously named in The Independent newspaper’s Pink List of influential lesbian and gay people in the UK. 

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book former England, Team GB and Arsenal captain Casey Stoney for your next event.  Contact us.