City in the Community seeking female football players

Manchester City Football Club’s Etihad Stadium

City in the Community is on the hunt for the next generation of female football players.

Hot on the heels of England’s success in reaching the semi-final of the Women’s World Cup, City in the Community has announced it has teamed up with Hopwood Hall College to offer local talented female players the chance to train at Etihad stadium and be part of the Premiership football club through a girls only BTEC programme.

Open to females aged 16-18 with a keen interest in football training and coaching, the club is looking for applicants to start in September 2015. This new course will complement Manchester City’s existing programmes including their girl’s only football schools which run every half term, as well as their junior academy, Manchester City Girl’s Football Club.

The partnership with Hopwood Hall College will mean that not only will female players be able to train as part of the club, they will also be able to gain a sports qualification at the same time, which will help them further their sports understanding and their career opportunities too.

As Peter Tickle, Health and Education Manager for City in the Community, explains: “Interest in women’s football continues to grow especially with the Lionesses, five of which are Manchester City Women’s players, doing so well at the World Cup. Now we’re looking for our own home grown talent. This is a chance for all young women who are passionate about football and we can’t wait to meet them.”

Terry Morley, Centre Director for Sport and Public Services at Hopwood Hall College, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young female players to learn about the sport and get to play in competitive leagues at the same time. We’re bringing together top class coaching with top class education – there is no better time to think about a career in football.”

There is a drop in open evening for anyone interested in trying out for the team on Wednesday 22 July at the City Football Academy. The course and training will start in September 2015.