Pearce and Powell named GB football coaches for London 2012 Olympics

Stuart Pearce and Hope Powell have been named as the British men’s and women’s football team coaches for the London 2012 Olympics.

Great Britain are entering a men’s side for the first time since the Rome Olympics in 1960 and next year will see a debut for the women’s team.

Pearce, who is currently England Under-21 coach, said: “I am extremely proud to have this opportunity and 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."

Powell, England women's head coach since 1998, has led her side to four successive major finals.

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.

"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."