Girls Football Development – Half Term Update

Girls Football Development Half Term Update

It has been a fantastic start to the 2024/25 season for our Girls Football Development pathway, with some excellent achievements on the grass.

Starting during the summer period, we launched our Girls Performance Squads at U14’s and U16’s, with both squads doing well in their respective campaigns so far.

A number of girls have progressed from our Tier 2 (ATC) provision into these squads – 3 into our U14’s and 4 into our U16’s.

“We are really pleased with how our Performance Squads have started the season,” said Girls Football Development Manager Eva Hubbard.

“The new structure of the top tier allows the girls to receive more regular fixture opportunities, helping both individual and team development.

A number of the players from the Performance Squads have been selected for international camps and Schools FA regional teams.

“The individual success within these squads is something we want to highlight with numerous players being selected for both international camps and English Schools regional teams,” Eva continued.

“We’ve not only had international call ups at this level but further down the tiers too in our Advanced Training Centre and Elite Player Development Centres.”

Congratulations to the following participants who have recently taken part in these camps:

• Faith – U16 England Camp with Friendlies vs Switzerland
• Nia – U17 Wales Camp with Friendlies vs Republic of Ireland
• Adele – U17 Lithuania Camp with UEFA qualifiers vs Hungary
• Gracie & Lotachi – ESFA Girls U15 Regional Squad – Southeast

“I never thought I would be playing for Ipswich and trialling for England schools when I first started Thorpe St Andrew’s Wildcats on Saturday mornings,” Gracie said, speaking on her experience.

“I’m excited to play with talented players and for all the opportunities to come, thank you to all the coaches I have had and players I’ve played with.”

“The trial was of high intensity with lots of talented players,” Lotachi added.

“I knew I had to press and work hard in every minute I got. When I found out I got selected, I was overcome by a mixture of emotions. I am honoured to be representing Suffolk in stage 2 of the trials.”

 “I had an amazing experience; I was privileged to be selected to represent (Cymru) Wales and look forward to potential future opportunities” Nia added on her call up to Wales U17 camp.

“I’m very excited for this experience and the opportunities I have been given to play football and travel to another country” said Adele, who was called up to Lithuania U17 camp.

Within the girl’s pathway, there has also been progression through the pathway into our Emerging Talent Centre (Tier 1), including EPDC participant Connie.

Connie spent the majority of her 2023/24 season at our Mildenhall EPDC before progressing into our ATC at the end of last season. Connie has made excellent strides over the summer and has now been selected to attend our Emerging Talent Centre for the remainder of the season.

“Football is my passion, and I’ve loved my time at Ipswich so far,” Connie has said.

“The coaches have helped me to be my best and I’ve made some lovely friends and had lots of fun along the way. I’ve been working hard to get my place in the ETC and I’m looking forward to being part of this team for the season.”

“Although this is just one example of progression within the tiers of our provision, it really does highlight the efforts the girls are making to progress,” Eva added.

“It’s a pathway which we are proud of and has allowed us to see many of the girl’s flourish and progress up the pathway.”

For more information on our Girls Football Development Pathway, please contact Girls Football Development Manager Eva Hubbard at eva.hubbard@itfc.co.uk.