Laura Kaminski: From Crystal Palace to Norwegian Glory

Laura Kaminski took the reins at Norwegian club SK Brann in January, and it’s safe to say she made the right call. The former Crystal Palace manager embraced the chance to hone her coaching skills abroad, and now she’s on the brink of competing in the Europa Cup quarter-finals next Wednesday. Fast forward ten months, and she’s celebrating a remarkable double triumph in the Norwegian league and cup during her debut season. "My time in Bergen has been fantastic," the 38-year-old told BBC Sport. "I can’t even shop in peace right now because fans keep stopping me to offer their congratulations, which is so heartwarming." Kaminski was thrilled to clinch the title before the final game, allowing her team to bask in the glory ahead of their return from Oslo. "It’s been a competitive year, and I’ve loved every moment. The atmosphere with our fans was unforgettable when we returned home." Describing her year as "hectic," Kaminski reflected on her transition from London to Norway, leaving behind her family to take on the Brann role. After more than a year at Crystal Palace—where she led the team to Women’s Super League promotion in 2024—she faced a tough end to her stint, being sacked in February 2025 as Palace struggled against better-funded rivals. Despite the challenges, Kaminski is regarded as one of the UK's most promising female managers, and her experiences in Norway have enriched her coaching resume. "I’ve learned a great deal. It’s been chaotic—I’ve taken 65 flights in the last 11 months!" she noted, clearly exhilarated by the adventure. "Playing away games in the Arctic Circle with snowstorms to enjoying sunny days in Bergen has been a rollercoaster. Palace was a different experience compared to Brann, where the expectation is to win the Toppserien due to their strong investments. That’s a real shift in mentality." She admits being away from her loved ones has been tough, but the trophy success makes the sacrifices worthwhile. Kaminski has also evolved her coaching philosophy, influenced by Norway's high-risk, attack-driven style. "Norwegian teams often concede goals because they play such fearless football and press relentlessly," she explained. "It’s a different approach than what I was used to, and it was initially surprising to see. But facing those tactics is a real challenge. It’s definitely fueled my passion for the future." After a season in Norway, Kaminski feels she’s a better coach. With over 15 years of coaching experience in WSL 2, WSL, and with England's under-19s, she now hopes her European experience will unlock new opportunities. "I believe I have a well-rounded skillset to manage at a high level. Right now, my focus is on Brann and this new chapter," she said. "Professional opportunities in England are limited to just two levels, so I sought the European exposure I couldn’t find in England." Kaminski encourages fellow female coaches in England to consider international opportunities, as she believes the options in the WSL are dwindling. A recent UK Coaching study highlighted a 6% drop in female coaches in recent years. Currently, only three English female coaches are in the WSL—Jo Potter at Crystal Palace, Amy Merricks at Birmingham City, and Karen Hills at Charlton Athletic—all of whom have newly promoted clubs this summer. Kaminski expressed her concerns about their future prospects and hopes for more openings in men’s football. "I left the country to pursue the level of coaching I felt I deserved," she reflected. "There are capable female coaches ready to step into men’s football. I’m open to that possibility, but I’m not convinced the football world is fully prepared." As the landscape of women in football coaching continues to evolve, Kaminski's journey serves as an inspiring example of seeking growth and opportunity beyond borders.