Ladies to expand associate programme

Arsenal Ladies has expanded its Club Associates Programme for the 2015/16 season, following a successful pilot last term.

The programme works to support the growth of the girls’ game, by helping grassroots clubs to deliver football sessions that engage, challenge and develop young female players.

Club associates represent the first step on the player pathway, and associate clubs are carefully to give players the best chance of reaching their potential.

The 2015-16 programme will see Arsenal Ladies working alongside 11 clubs based within 90 minutes of the Arsenal training ground. These are:

Red Associates –Stevenage Borough,
Silver Associates – Harvesters FC, Harpenden Colts
Platinum Associates – Kinja FC, ICA, St Albans City Youth, Bedwell Rangers, Flitwick Eagles, Enfield Town Ladies, Garston Ladies, Colebrook Royals

"The 16 clubs we have recruited this season are in the best position to have a positive impact on girls football"

Ciara Allan

Kelly Smith, Arsenal Ladies Player & Assistant coach said: “It’s fantastic that there are so many girls who now aspire to play for Arsenal Ladies and this programme is a way to identify a clear route for the players who want to reach the top level.”

Ciara Allan, Arsenal Ladies Development Officer, added: “There are lots of clubs who are offering female football and doing a fantastic job.

"This programme gives us the opportunity to share our knowledge of the game and player development to help our local clubs provide the best possible support to their players as they progress through their football careers.

"We are excited to start the programme and feel that the 16 clubs we have recruited this season are in the best position to have a positive impact on girls and women’s football in the local catchment areas.”

Girls looking for a club to play for can contact Arsenal Ladies’ club associates through the information below:

Click here for more information