Girls' programme set up by Albion

As part of continued developments at Sporting Club Albion, West Bromwich Albion FC have announced a new sports performance programme for gifted and talented female players.

The Sports Performance Programme, in partnership with Sandwell Academy, will consist of a two-year sixth-form programme commencing in September 2012, with a timetable of both study and football coaching.

This will be the first such programme for any professional club in the Midlands and will be an essential strand to the player development pathway for girls’ football at WBA FC.

The Sports Performance Programme adds further opportunities for female players in addition to The FA Centre of Excellence and Sporting Club Albion Ladies team, who are having a successful season in The FA Northern Premier League.

The partnership will provide girls with access to A levels and BTEC sports study in first-class sports and education facilities, whilst Albion’s UEFA ‘A’ and ‘B’ licensed coaches will lead on the football development aspects. Players will play their games programme in the British Colleges Sport League on Wednesday afternoons. 

The programme is open to all female players, regardless of the club they represent.

Rachel Pavlou, The FA’s National Women’s Football Development Manager, commented on the programme: “This is a great initiative by West Brom, more and more clubs are now specifically tailoring programmes to develop talented and gifted female footballers. The partnership between Sandwell Academy and West Brom will hopefully lead to more and better developed players coming through the system. On behalf of The FA, I wish it every success and look forward to seeing the programme grow and develop.”

Sandwell Academy Head Teacher, Simon Topper, said: “The achievements of all students at Sandwell Academy have been outstanding since our opening in September 2006. In particular, our sports students have excelled in their fields of expertise. Our partnership with Sporting Club Albion will doubtless secure the very best outcome for young people with talent and an interest in the world of sport.”

Jamie Bunch, Sporting Director at the Albion Foundation, explained: “Sporting Club Albion has developed girls’ football significantly over the last 12 months. This exciting and unique partnership with Sandwell Academy meets our desire to establish a full-time component to Sporting Club Albion, enabling more contact time with talented players.

“I have no doubt many students will go on to have successful careers in football while, at the same time, ensuring they possess credible academic qualifications.”

If you are interested  in finding out more information for this programme please call Sandwell Academy on 0121 525 1700.