The 2024/25 season marked the successful launch of Blackpool FC Community Trust’s girls Elite Coaching Pathway programme—a new initiative designed to identify, nurture, and elevate high-ability female footballers in the region.
This invitation-only programme offers selected players a unique opportunity to receive weekly 90-minute coaching sessions, delivered by experienced staff from our FA Girls’ Emerging Talent Centre (ETC). Spanning 30 weeks, the programme aligns closely with the ETC curriculum, providing a consistent, high-quality development environment for aspiring young footballers.
Due to these sessions complementing any other additional training sessions and matchdays, the programme attracted high-ability female footballers from a variety of environments, including Blackburn Rovers, Preston, Burnley, and Westmorland ETCs, as well as District and County teams.
Throughout the season, players from the programme have participated in a range of competitive fixtures, facing elite opposition including Manchester City Academy, Wales International Squad, Burnley ETC, Westmorland ETC, and Blackburn Rovers Development Centre. These fixtures have not only tested the players’ skills but also provided vital exposure and experience against top-tier talent.
Quote from Lucy’s (Under 14’s) mum:
“Just want to thank you for the last 30 weeks of training and having Lucy in the elite pathway. The improvements in her game and her confidence have been clear to see. She is much more confident in one-on-one situations. It’s also nice to see her using her weaker foot more often and with much more control. The experiences and memories she has made in such a short space of time have been incredible.”
Quote from Cora’s (Under 14’s) mum:
“Thank you for allowing her to be part of the elite coaching pathway this season, she has absolutely loved every minute of it! So glad she made the move to Blackpool.”
The Elite Female Coaching Pathway Programme was created to progress players into higher levels of the game, and it has already delivered outstanding results in its first year:
- Seven players have successfully progressed into our own ETC
- One player has been signed by the Manchester United Under 10 Academy
- One player has been signed by the Manchester City Under 10 Academy
- Two players earned places at Manchester City’s ETC
These milestones reflect the programme’s success in creating a structured, supportive pathway for female footballers to reach their full potential. The achievements of these young athletes are a testament to their talent, hard work, and the quality of coaching provided via the Community Trust.
Blackpool FC Community Trust remains committed to expanding opportunities for female players and looks forward to building on the success of the Girls’ Elite Coaching Pathway programme in the seasons to come.
