Brief Introduction of Tanya Oxtoby
Tanya Helen Oxtoby is a highly respected Australian football coach and former professional player, currently serving as the manager of Newcastle United. Renowned for her tactical acumen and player development skills, Oxtoby has carved a significant path in the world of women’s football, both in her native Australia and in the competitive leagues of England. A former centre-back, she transitioned seamlessly into coaching, holding managerial and assistant coaching roles at top clubs including Bristol City, Chelsea, and the Northern Ireland national team. Oxtoby is also a qualified sports psychologist, a facet of her expertise that she integrates into her coaching philosophy to foster both skilled athletes and well-rounded individuals. Her journey from a small town in Western Australia to the pinnacle of women’s football management is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for the game.
Tanya Oxtoby Overview
| Full Name | Tanya Helen Oxtoby |
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1982 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 43 |
| Birthplace | Wickham, Western Australia, Australia |
| Profession | Football Manager, Coach, and former Professional Football Player |
| Husband/Wife | Alice Kempski (Partner) |
| Family | Son – Albie |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | In a relationship with Alice Kempski |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Tanya Oxtoby
Tanya Oxtoby was born in Wickham, a small town in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Her passion for football was ignited at the age of eight, playing in a team coached by her father. This early introduction to the sport laid the foundation for a lifelong involvement in the game. Oxtoby’s family background is a rich tapestry of cultures; her mother is of Aboriginal descent, and her father is English, which grants her dual Australian-British citizenship. She proudly identifies with her Indigenous heritage and has become a role model within the community.
For her secondary education, Oxtoby attended the Soccer Excellence Program at John Curtin College of the Arts between 1995 and 1999, where she honed her football skills. In 1999, her talent was recognized with a selection for the Australian Under-19 Schoolgirls team. Beyond the football pitch, Oxtoby pursued higher education with equal determination. She enrolled at the University of Western Australia, initially studying human movement before discovering a passion for psychology. She went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts, completing a double major in the subject. Oxtoby is also a qualified sports psychologist, holding a Diploma in Football Management from the League Managers Association (LMA) and a UEFA A Licence, underscoring her commitment to a holistic and educated approach to coaching.
Tanya Oxtoby’s Career
Tanya Oxtoby’s career in football is distinguished by a successful transition from a respected player to a highly sought-after coach. Her journey on the pitch saw her play as a commanding centre-back for several Australian clubs, including the Northern Redbacks, Northern NSW Pride, and the Western Waves. A significant chapter of her playing career was with Perth Glory in the Australian W-League, where she served as the inaugural captain from 2008 to 2012. Notably, she was the first Indigenous player to captain a side in the W-League. Her leadership and performance were recognized with the “Most Glorious Women’s Player” award in both 2009 and 2011. In 2012, Oxtoby moved to England to play in the FA Women’s Super League (WSL), first with Doncaster Rovers Belles and then with Everton, where she concluded her playing career.
Even while playing, Oxtoby was laying the groundwork for her coaching career. In 2012, she took on the role of manager for Nottingham Forest Ladies while still playing for Doncaster. This dual role marked the beginning of a remarkable coaching trajectory. After retiring as a player, she worked as a Development Team Manager for Notts County Ladies. A return to Australia saw her take up an assistant coach position at her former club, Perth Glory, where she helped guide the team to their first-ever Premiers Plate in the 2014-2015 season. During this period, she also founded her own coaching and mentoring business, Tanya Oxtoby Football Coaching, dedicated to nurturing female footballers.
Oxtoby’s coaching career in England continued to flourish. She held assistant coaching roles at Birmingham City and the Australia U20 team before being appointed manager of Bristol City in 2018. At Bristol, she made a significant impact despite working with one of the league’s smallest budgets. In her first season, she led the team to their highest-ever WSL points tally and a sixth-place finish, earning two LMA Manager of the Month awards. She was also instrumental in developing young English talent, providing them with opportunities to excel at the highest level. In 2021, she guided Bristol City to the FA Women’s Continental League Cup final.
Following her tenure at Bristol City, which she departed after a period of maternity leave, Oxtoby joined Chelsea as an assistant coach to the legendary Emma Hayes in September 2021. In this role, she contributed to a period of immense success for the club, including two WSL titles and three FA Cup victories. Her expertise was further utilized as an assistant coach for the Scotland women’s national team.
In August 2023, Oxtoby was appointed manager of the Northern Ireland women’s national team on a four-year contract. She was tasked with overseeing a period of transition, introducing younger players into the squad and professionalizing the setup. During her time in charge, Northern Ireland’s FIFA world ranking improved from 47th to 44th. In a recent move, Tanya Oxtoby has taken on the role of manager for Newcastle United, a club with clear ambitions to rise in the women’s game.
Tanya Oxtoby Personal Life & Family
Tanya Oxtoby’s personal life reflects her grounded and family-oriented nature. She is in a long-term relationship with her partner, Alice Kempski, who is also involved in football and has played for Cheltenham Town Ladies. In December 2020, Oxtoby announced that she was pregnant, and they welcomed their son, Albie, in early 2021. Motherhood has been a significant and cherished aspect of her life, and she has spoken about the importance of balancing her professional responsibilities with her family life. Oxtoby is known to be an advocate for creating supportive environments for mothers in professional sports. Her father is English and her mother is of Aboriginal descent, a heritage she is very proud of and which has shaped her identity. She has spoken about growing up “as the girl from the bush” and the journey to coaching in one of the world’s top leagues. On her days off, she enjoys simple pleasures like finding good coffee and spending quality time with her son.
Awards and Achievements of Tanya Oxtoby
- Most Glorious Women’s Player (Perth Glory) – 2009, 2011
- W-League Premiers Plate (as Assistant Coach with Perth Glory) – 2014-2015
- LMA Manager of the Month – September 2018, January 2019
- Led Bristol City to their highest ever WSL points tally and league finish (6th) – 2018/19 Season
- FA Women’s Continental League Cup Finalist (as Manager of Bristol City) – 2021
- Women’s Super League Title (as Assistant Coach with Chelsea) – 2 (2021-22, 2022-23)
- FA Cup Winner (as Assistant Coach with Chelsea) – 3 (2021-22, 2022-23, and one more)
Tanya Oxtoby Net Worth and Income
Tanya Oxtoby’s net worth as of 2025 is not publicly available. Her income is primarily derived from her career as a professional football manager. In addition to her salary from her managerial roles, she is the founder and director of her own coaching and mentoring business, Tanya Oxtoby Football Coaching, which provides an additional stream of income. She has also worked as a pundit for Optus Sport during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which would have contributed to her earnings.
Legacy and Influence
Tanya Oxtoby’s legacy in football is multifaceted, extending beyond her achievements on the field and in the dugout. As one of the few Indigenous women in a high-profile coaching position, she is a trailblazer and a powerful role model for aspiring Indigenous athletes and coaches. Her journey from a remote town in Western Australia to managing in the top tiers of English football is an inspirational story of perseverance and dedication. Oxtoby is highly regarded for her commitment to player development, particularly in nurturing young talent. At Bristol City, she earned a reputation for identifying and providing opportunities for promising young English players to shine on the big stage. Her coaching philosophy, which is deeply informed by her background in psychology, emphasizes not only tactical and technical skills but also the mental and emotional well-being of her players. She is known for creating a positive and high-performing team culture. Oxtoby is also a vocal advocate for the professionalization of the women’s game and has spoken out on issues such as player welfare and the need for better resources and support for female athletes.
Interesting Facts about Tanya Oxtoby
- Tanya Oxtoby holds dual Australian and British citizenship due to her English father and Australian mother.
- She is the first person of Indigenous Australian descent to captain a team in the W-League.
- In addition to her football career, she has worked as a government psychologist, specializing in mental health for young people and Indigenous Australians.
- Oxtoby served as a lifestyle advisor for the Great Britain Goalball team, a Paralympic sport.
- She was one of the lead pundits for Optus Sport during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
- Oxtoby is a business owner, having founded Tanya Oxtoby Football Coaching to mentor and develop female footballers and coaches.
Controversies
There are no publicly documented controversies involving Tanya Oxtoby. She is widely respected for her professionalism, integrity, and dedication to the sport.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Information not disclosed
Final Words about Tanya Oxtoby
Tanya Oxtoby’s career is a compelling narrative of passion, intelligence, and a relentless drive for excellence. From her playing days as a pioneering Indigenous captain to her current role as a respected manager, she has consistently broken new ground in women’s football. Her unique blend of tactical knowledge and psychological insight sets her apart as a coach who develops not just great players, but also resilient and confident individuals. As she embarks on her new chapter with Newcastle United, the football world will be watching with keen interest. Her journey so far suggests that she will continue to be a significant and influential figure in the game, shaping the next generation of female footballers and leaving an indelible mark on the sport she has dedicated her life to.