New girls’ football programme for aspiring Lionesses

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Keira Walsh during a FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Qualifier

A new girls’ football programme – the Keira Walsh Rochdale Girls’ Development Centre – will launch this October half-term.

Supported by Rochdale-born Lioness Keira Walsh, the Girls’ Development Centre programme will mirror the boys’ Rochdale AFC Academy Development Centre and aims to create a pathway to full England Women’s honours for young women and girls from local communities, no matter their background.

The girls’ programme kicks off with an EFL Trust Female Talent Inclusion Day at Heywood Sports Village on Friday 27 October.

Following on from the Talent Inclusion Day, those who show promise will be invited to the weekly KW4 Rochdale Development Centre sessions, so that talented young players can achieve their maximum potential through access to higher level coaching and playing ability.

Each selected player will also receive a free Nike training kit and jacket, which have been provided by Nike athlete Keira, as well as training equipment for the sessions.

The Talent Inclusion Day will be held at Heywood Sports Village, with the following times for different age groups:

• U12/13 – 9am-10.30am
• U14/15 – 11.30am-1pm
• U16 – 2pm-3.30pm

The sessions will also run at Heywood Sports Village, 7pm-8pm, on alternative weeks for the age groups above.

In order to cover the cost of the facility and coaches, there will be a nominal charge of £12 per month for each player.

Registration is open to all girls who live, play or go to school in the borough of Rochdale.

Match opportunities will be every six weeks against clubs that are part of the Emerging Talent Centres programme. The programme is administered by Rochdale AFC Community Trust.

Nominations to the programme are to be sent, via grassroots coaches, to dean.weaver@rochdaleafc.co.uk, stating the player’s full name and true playing age group.

You can also contact Dean if you require any further information on the programme.