In the summer of 2024, our FA Girls’ Emerging Talent Centre (ETC) held annual trials. Around 500 players registered their interest in attending, which was unprecedented. Because of this, BFCCT decided to set up ‘shadow squads’, which were named the Elite Coaching Pathway.
Andy Aspinall, Female Football Development Manager, said,
“Following the trials in 2024, there were lots of talented girls that we would have liked to invite into the ETC, but there just wasn’t space for them. In addition, there were lots of girls who had the potential to join the programme, but were lacking a bit technically or tactically. We made the decision to launch the Elite Coaching Pathway, which mirrors the ETC, runs for 30 weeks, and follows the same curriculum.
“Our ETC staff, including myself, deliver sessions to the participants and help to develop the attributes they need to play in our ETC and at the highest level. The standard of coaching is second to none, and we invest in the players and invite them into the ETC once they are ready.”
In 2024/25, approximately 60 girls were invited to join this programme, which has proved extremely successful. Since then, eleven players have made the step up into the ETC, with countless others being invited into other ETCs, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers, Burnley, Preston North End and Westmorland.
In the last month, three players have successfully made the step up into the ETC: Kimaya Mirando (Under 12), Lottie Thomas (Under 13) and Taylor Quinn (Under 13).
Andy Aspinall said,
“All three players demonstrate exactly what we want in our players. They are quick, athletic and powerful. They are all positive in possession and bring a goal threat to our group. Most importantly, they all have the mindset to work hard and to continue improving. We ask the girls to have a ‘growth mindset’, which these three definitely do!”
In addition to this, four more girls have been invited to trial for the ETC this month. These girls have been spotted in various environments, including district fixtures and grassroots cup finals. The ETC Talent ID team work tirelessly to try and unearth the next gem to bring into the elite BFCCT programmes.
