USWNT Coach Emma Hayes Reveals Son’s Major Struggle Whilst Embracing American Culture

Life in soccer isn’t just about tactics and trophies. Forget about adjusting on the pitch—finding a sense of home off the pitch is often the biggest comfort one could ask for. The pressure and uncertainty of settling in a foreign country also extend to their families and loved ones. What if they don’t like it? Fortunately for Emma Hayes, she can consider herself lucky—her son Harry absolutely ‘loves’ being in America.

While adults may be familiar with the term “adjust,” kids often aren’t. As a woman, Hayes has more responsibilities beyond just coaching the USWNT—at home, she is a mother. While it’s almost impossible to determine whether there’s a ‘rewarding’ side to this struggle, the former Chelsea boss has a different perspective to share.

“When you get the chance to travel, I get to teach him about the world, about America. That’s been so much fun,” said Hayes, during an interview with Ali Krieger on ESPN FC’s Futbol W. She insists that not only does Harry like to stay with mommy on her duty, but he has also learned the American way. In fact, quite remarkably.

Not only can Harry name the state flags—putting Hayes to shame, as she herself admitted—but the 6-year-old can even sing the national anthem. “Embraced” is how Emma describes her son’s acceptance of a new life in a foreign country—one that no longer feels so foreign.

Typically, in the men’s game, the missis take care of the little ones at home. But what happens when the missus herself is out in the world—coaching, strategizing, and immersed in the tactical board? That’s one challenge Hayes admits her little one struggles with.

“He struggles a little bit when I have to go away. The separation from me has been probably the hardest thing for both of us. I maybe didn’t anticipate that but we’re working on it. I make sure he’s with me as often as possible,” added Hayes, sharing how the mother-son duo is addressing these challenges.

In fact, her return to the US as their national team coach has been quite rewarding that one could think of. “I’ve always loved working in America. So for me coming back a second time around, but this time as a mother, has felt all the more special. He loves all the places I love,” she concluded, stating how they are making it work for the foreseeable future.

Honestly, we aren’t surprised that little Harry is suiting himself with the American dream. After all, he is one the reasons why Hayes is out there leading the Stars and Stripes.

Emma Hayes had Harry’s approval for the USWNT job!

The 48-year-old was excited when she received the offer but wasn’t quite sure how her son would react. However, when it came to support, Harry may have given the best response imaginable. Hayes revealed last year that the toddler reacted by smiling, hugging, and kissing her before exclaiming, “Let’s go to the USA, Mummy! I’m really excited, I want to go to the USA!” It was a reaction she could hardly believe. In fact, Hayes admitted that it was exactly the kind of ‘endorsement’ she needed.

However, that excitement also came at a cost for Harry. While the 2024 Olympics were underway, Hayes was in the French capital with her team, fully focused on winning. As a result, he had to spend a long time apart from his mother. Unable to wait any longer, little Harry flew to Paris to cheer on his champion mom. While the two greeted each other with a hug, the boy’s first words were: “Mommy, you need to come home now. The team have had enough of you.”

Hayes even admitted that it had been really hard on her son throughout the Summer Games. She acknowledged that no six-year-old should have to sacrifice their mother for a month. But it was worth the reward as Harry mother’s came back with a gold!