At 17 years old, Erin Menzies is one of the younger members of the Blackpool FC Ladies first team and is proving to be one of the more important and influential players on the pitch.
Having had a love of football since she could walk, Erin has worked hard and progressed through Blackpool FC Community Trust’s Female Football Development (FFD) programme through taking part in school.
The FFD programme is designed to increase participation rates in the women’s game from the age 14. Working closely with schools, colleges, universities and youth groups, the Trust delivers regular sessions to allow as many people as possible to come along and get involved.
Erin was involved in the Trust’s school sessions and was really enthusiastic about us coming in to deliver football, and with her determination to succeed, was at every session. Erin was a vital member of the group during the sessions as she could assist others and was a player that some would look to, to try and replicate her ability with the ball.
Erin said: ‘I really enjoyed taking part in the Trust’s football sessions. I would play football all day if I could, and the sessions were another chance for me to get involved, which was brilliant. Playing football as much as I could has helped me develop as a player.
‘It’s really good playing for the first team this season and it was always what I wanted to achieve and to have had the opportunity do it so early on in my career, thanks to Blackpool FC Community Trust’s sessions, is amazing’.
Mark Dolan, Blackpool FC Community Trust’s Inclusion Officer said: ‘Erin was really good in our sessions and seemed to enjoy every time we delivered.
‘She was a good asset to the group and allowed everyone else to develop too. It is fantastic that she has come up to the first team at Blackpool FC Ladies and I wish her all the best for the future’.
