Tony Fretwell, FA Women’s Super League Academy Manager, identified the need to develop a dual career Academy system and believes an extensive commitment to emerging players will reap long term rewards.
He said: “The FA and FA Women’s Super League Clubs are working in partnership to establish a genuine dual career Academy system that brings together the clubs, further education and higher education institutions with the assistance and support of the TASS network.
“Within high quality environments, FA WSL players can combine their footballing progression with their career aspirations they as they focus on A Levels, BTECs, or work-based training.”
Traditionally, TASS athletes access support at a designated Delivery Site but specialist Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ performance staff will host group sessions at Brighton’s WSL academy and FA WSL players will receive targeted support focusing on strength and conditioning, physiotherapy and lifestyle.
The majority of players signed up to the new FA WSL Academies are in full-time education and TASS will demonstrate the value of pursuing a dual career pathway.
The ten new WSL Academies with support from TASS Delivery Site partners are Arsenal & University of Hertfordshire, Birmingham City & University of Birmingham, Brighton & Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯, Bristol City & University of Gloucester, Chelsea & St Mary’s University, Liverpool and Everton & Liverpool John Moores University, Manchester City & Manchester Metropolitan University, Reading & Buckinghamshire New University, West Ham United & University of East London, and Yeovil Town & University of Exeter.