WSL: Crystal Palace manager Laura Kaminski on making memories

The Palace manager has worked her way up the pyramid from “after-school clubs and Sunday mornings” to the elite level.

She has taken inspiration from former Spurs bosses Karen Hills and Juan Carlos Amoros and believes in the fundamentals of grassroots football.

And her values remain the same, no matter what level she coaches at.

“There must be a hunger to put your body on the line, to make big saves, to stop counter-attacks, to show pace, aggression and intensity,” said Kaminski.

“Those are the things I love about football. I love it when players step up to be brilliant individually and when they score goals in the top bins!

“I watched many managers. People will always make mistakes so you can learn from them and turn that into your brand. I always knew I was capable – but I didn’t rush.

“That has been key in ending up where I am now. I have taken my time. I just wanted to be on the grass and working with good players. Eventually it fell into place.”

Amid the gruelling day-to-day demands of being a WSL manager, Kaminski does allow a bit of fun.

She regularly checks in on her players, encouraging them to have hobbies outside football – something she says is crucial in helping them to focus.

“I enjoy humour but that doesn’t affect my standards. All that does is foster and strengthen bonds. I think am a very approachable person,” she said.

“I want players and staff, every day, to want to be here and know that they are valued. I want them to have great memories of this club.

“I never want to lose that. Those relationships and bonds are important and what keeps us fighting every week.

“It is as relevant now as when I was working in grassroots football. It’s the core of what we do.”