Following a successful first move into ladies’ football at the start of the current campaign, Basford United is delighted to announce the proposal of a full-time academy programme for girls and young women.

Aimed at 16–18-year-olds, the educational course – to be launched from September 2023 – will run alongside our current and reputable scheme for boys, renowned as one of the best in the Midlands, and ties in to the progressive and developmental aspirations of owner Chris Munroe and senior figureheads.

We will be holding a series of trials on our state-of-the-art 3G stadia pitch over the coming months, starting on Tuesday, November 22 (7pm), with the purpose of achieving a highly talented intake to start next year.

Currently operating at step five of the women’s football pyramid, our ladies’ first team are targeting progression to the Women’s National League within the next five years, mirroring objectives set for the men’s first team in recent seasons.

Exemplifying the pathway further, our highly touted under 16 squad have made a storming start to their first season as a group and are currently unbeaten in all competitions.

Opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- A pathway to senior football
- Scholarship opportunities in the United States
- Careers in sport
- University

Director of Ladies Football Stephen Rooth said: “I’m delighted to announce the launch of the Basford United Women’s Football Academy in partnership with SCL and we are getting ready to select and develop the next generation of footballing talent across the Midlands.

“The number of girls playing football in England has reached new heights since the success of the Lionesses at Euro 2022 and there has been a huge increase in affiliated women’s and girls’ teams since the FA launched its Game Plan for Growth back in 2018.

“This, for me, is great news and shows the club’s appetite to replicate what the men’s academies have been doing for years. We see a gap in the market, which doesn't exist for women and girls in the same way.

“As well as the opportunity to accelerate their football training and knowledge, this two-year programme will give young women access to the college curriculum, offering vocational qualifications alongside traditional A-Level options.

“Facilitating something that replicates the boys at professional clubs elsewhere, players will have up to five hours a week of football related activities.

“This will include skills work, fitness sessions, match play training, and competitive matches on a Wednesday afternoon, when we will look to arrange local friendly fixtures.

“Players may also be given the chance to develop leadership, coaching and officiating skills through additional qualifications and experience in local schools and clubs.

“There are further possibilities of progressing onto apprenticeships in football coaching and even scholarships to universities in the United States.

“The educational need of the programme emphasises Basford United’s commitment to girls and ladies’ football, as well as the growth of the club in next five years that sets out a clear pathway to the ladies first team.”

To register for the trials, please email: academy@basfordunitedfc.com.

Further dates will be announced in due course