Stuart Pearce and Hope Powell have been named as the head coaches of the British football teams for the London 2012 Olympics.
England Under-21 manager Pearce will be in charge of the men's Olympic team, which could yet include David Beckham as an over-age player, while Powell will make history when she leads out the first Team GB squad to take part in the Olympic women's football competition.
Powell, 44, has been England Women's head coach since 1998, leading her side to four successive major finals including the Euro 2009 final.
An "extremely proud" Pearce, 49, who also coaches within Fabio Capello's England senior set-up, said: "I'm very much looking forward to getting started.
"I was fortunate to be part of Euro 96, so I know how special it can be to play for your country on home soil at a major tournament. I'm sure this group of players will relish being part of not only a huge tournament in this country, but a unique one competing together and representing the UK."
The Olympics will be an ideal chance to build on the Euro 2005 experience, which was also hosted in England, according to Powell.
She said: "The attendances at the games during Euro 2005 were a sign of progress for women's football in this country, and it helped provide a platform for what has happened since then.
"From those finals where the players were playing against the best teams in Europe and in front of huge crowds, there was a real surge of enthusiasm. I think with the exposure and interest in the Olympics in this country we could see a similar impact from the tournament next summer.
"I'm delighted to be in the position to be able to take a team into such an illustrious tournament. I just wish it were starting tomorrow."
Both Pearce and Powell have the option to select players from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Source: PA
