The new 2022/2023 Football Academy squads, part of Newbury College and Procision Football Academy, have been selected and enrolled ahead of the new season.
Fresh on the heels of the incredible UEFA Women's EURO win on Sunday, the new generation of young football talent has big boots to fill, and while the Newbury team (pictured above) may currently only feature boys in the line-up (the Oxford and Reading squads are already starting to recruit girls to their teams), it is hoped that the historic achievements of England’s Lionesses will inspire more girls to apply.
Amy Taylor, one of the Football Academy’s Course Leaders, said: “The Lionesses have changed the way that women’s football is viewed in this country, and I hope that more young women are inspired to follow in their footsteps. I am incredibly proud to be part of a team of passionate and talented professionals that all share this aspiration to champion and support all young talent to reach their potential.”
The Oxford first-year team already features a number of young women in the line up.
Newbury College and Procision Football Academy started their partnership in 2021 to deliver a comprehensive Football programme that strengthens the skillset of players through both academic studies and practical training; allowing them to follow a variety of pathways into the football and fitness industry. This year, that provision has been extended even further, with the addition of a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Sport and Exercise Science (Coaching Science) delivered via University Centre Newbury.
Gary Clifford, Procision Football Academy Director, said: “Partnering with Newbury College to expand the provision for our local academies provides an excellent opportunity for our students. The partnership ensures that the students’ career development is underpinned with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed and provides them with excellent progression opportunities.”
As well as playing regular fixtures against other academy-level teams, the squads will represent their clubs in the FA Youth Cup and could be offered the opportunity to progress to play for partner clubs Hungerford Town FC, Didcot Town FC and North Leigh FC.
For more information on Football Academies at Newbury College please visit newbury-college.ac.uk/football