Blackpool FC Community Trust is immensely proud to share that our FA Emerging Talent Centre (ETC) has been granted further funding by The FA and the Premier League. This renewed support will allow us to continue offering elite-level coaching and development opportunities for female footballers across Blackpool, Fylde, and the wider Northwest region.
In 2022, we were honoured to be one of only 60 organisations nationwide to be selected to join the inaugural cohort of venues hosting the ETC programme. Since then, over the past three years, we have supported more than 200 female players on their football journeys. These players represent 63 different grassroots clubs across the North West, including 22 clubs competing in our two local leagues. Our commitment to supporting the wide range of grassroots clubs involved in the programme is highlighted during our ‘Grassroots Days’. On these special occasions, players switch their Tangerine ETC tops for their grassroots match shirts — a powerful reminder of the diversity of clubs we support and a chance for the girls to proudly represent the teams they come from proudly. In keeping with our commitment to supporting grassroots football, we regularly invite coaches to our Emerging Talent Centre to observe sessions and games involving their players. With at least 70% of our ETC players over the last three years classed as local (FY or PR postcode), it’s great to see so much homegrown talent developing within our programme and improving the standard of female football on the Fylde coast.
Through a structured training programme, a diverse and competitive games calendar, and dedicated professional development support—including strength and conditioning coaching and on-site physiotherapy and rehabilitation—we have created an environment where players can thrive. Our aim has always been to reduce barriers, such as cost, install pride in representing Blackpool, increase exposure to amazing footballing opportunities, which in turn will help each participant grow into the best version of themselves, both on and off the pitch. The high standards of management and coaching within the programme have contributed to the strong reputation of the Blackpool ETC programme. This has been consistently reflected in the outcomes presented to The FA during annual audits, where our centre has been recognised for operating at an exceptionally high level.
As we look ahead to the next three years, we are thrilled to increase our impact through the ETC programme even further. Girls from U9s to U16s will continue to represent Blackpool across a mixed games programme that includes formats from 3v3 to 11v11, alongside the ongoing integration of Futsal. This varied approach not only supports technical and tactical development but also ensures players are engaged and inspired through exposure to multiple challenges. This new phase will allow us to reach and empower even more talented girls, supporting their progress in grassroots football, helping them strive for academy places, and even pursue international recognition.
“The main purpose of the Girls’ Emerging Talent Centres (ETCs) is Talent ID: To identify and develop future potential players by providing local, accessible high-quality training environments. The new Centres will offer increased playing time, varied football formats and allow players to play for both an Emerging Talent Centre and a grassroots club, school, or representative team, which we hope will enhance the variety of playing experiences.
Girls’ Emerging Talent Centres across the nation will increase and diversify the talent pool and gives more girls than ever the chance to take their first steps on the pathway towards playing professional football and following in the footsteps of the inspirational Lionesses.”
– The FA
“It has been a privilege to lead the girls Emerging Talent Centre programme since its inception in 2022. During this time we have tried our best to give players the best opportunities to develop and excel, as well as creating lifelong memories. Over the last 3 seasons we have been invited to play against various academies including Man United, Man City, Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers. In this time we have also been invited to the home of England football at St George’s Park, and ran Talent ID events on behalf of the England Lionesses. We are very proud of the role we have played in the journey of these young females, helping some of them move on to playing at the most elite levels of the game. It has also been a proud moment seeing several graduates of the ETC making their debut for the Blackpool FC Girls and Ladies First Team.”
– Andy Aspinall, ETC Manager and Technical Lead
Blackpool FC Community Trust will remain committed to creating a clear, supportive pathway for aspiring female footballers and are excited to see what the next three years hold.
