How do we help talented girls become better footballers?
It’s a simple question, but one that sits at the heart of the development of the Worksop College Girls’ Football Academy (WCGFA).
For me, it’s about creating the right environment around talented young players. Good coaching and plenty of time on the pitch are important, but so are strength and conditioning, tactical understanding, individual development, education and the right pastoral support.
At WCGFA, we’re bringing all of those elements together.
Developing the whole player
Our programme gives girls the opportunity to develop their football through a combination of team training, individual and small-group sessions, strength and conditioning, and tactical and video analysis.
We also have excellent facilities and opportunities to play both domestically and internationally.
But football is only part of the picture.
One of the things that makes WCGFA different is the opportunity to combine ambitious football development with an excellent education at Worksop College. Our players can pursue their football goals while continuing to develop academically and being part of a supportive school and boarding community.
That balance matters.
We want our players to become better footballers, but also confident, resilient young people who are prepared for whatever comes next.
Building connections with the game
We’re fortunate to already have relationships with Sheffield United, Derby County and Doncaster Rovers Belles.
These connections give our players opportunities to experience professional football environments and learn from people working within the game. They also help us understand what talented young players need as they progress.
But we’re keen to keep building those relationships.
There are some fantastic people and organisations working to develop girls’ football across the country, from professional academies and clubs to grassroots teams. We want WCGFA to be part of that wider football community.
That could mean working alongside professional clubs to complement their existing player-development pathways, or supporting grassroots clubs by giving talented players additional opportunities to train and develop while remaining connected to their own team.
There’s no one route into football, and we don’t want there to be.
A place to develop and enjoy football
For families, the question is often a little different.
Can my daughter pursue football seriously while still receiving a strong education? Can she develop her football without it taking over her school life? Can she be challenged and supported while still enjoying playing the game?
We believe the answer should be yes.
That’s what we’re trying to create at WCGFA.
Our ambition is to develop Worksop College into a destination for talented female footballers from across the UK and beyond - a place where girls can get better, work hard, enjoy their football and see where it can take them.
We’re still building the programme, and there’s plenty more we want to do. But that’s part of what makes it exciting.
There is a huge amount of potential in girls’ football, and we want to play our part in helping talented young players make the most of theirs.
Mr Ian Parkin
Assistant Head Co-Curricular
If you’re involved in professional or grassroots football, or you’re a family interested in finding out more about WCGFA, we’d love to hear from you.