Therefore, we are delighted to announce a new structure for the girl’s pathway that will see additional sessions open opportunities for all and fall in line with the new senior ladies first team.

Please see below for what we are offering for the 2023-24 season, starting in September.

On the expansion, Ladies Chairman Sam Winch said: “We want to offer more young and aspiring footballers the opportunity to play at Basford United and we are excited to announce these pathways.

“This year is a key one for Women’s Football ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, on the back of England’s success in the Euros last year.

“Further, our inaugural season as a club has seen huge progress, by way of growth, attendances, and interest, as well as on-the-field success for our U16s who are on target for the league and cup. Therefore, we feel now is the right time for us to grow as a ladies section.”

Director of Ladies Football, Stephen Rooth, added: “We are delighted to announce a new pathway for both women and girls in the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire area. This is a positive step forward for Basford United Ladies and Basford United Football Club.

“It’s something we have all been working on strategically in recent months, and it will now ensure we have a sustainable pathway for our female footballers to thrive at all levels and age bands.

“With the success of the England Lionesses, this is such an exciting time to be a female involved in football. We hope this provides all ages with the opportunity to represent their community and Basford United Football Club.”

Girls Advanced Development Centre (GDC): U10-U18:
Introducing a new step within our female pathway, the Girls Advanced Development Centre (GDC) will provide coaching sessions from UEFA and FA qualified coaching, focusing on developing players in the U10-U18 age groups and will be held at Greenwich Avenue, home of Basford United.

We aim to develop the players’ technical and physical ability, as well as aid their social and psychological development. Each week our coaches focus on a different topic to ensure the players are learning across the FA four-corner model.

Players are still able to train and play for their grassroots teams, alongside the opportunity to represent Basford United Ladies Football Club in a comprehensive fixture programme.

Female Football & Education Programme: U17-U19:
A brand-new Female Football and Education Programme commencing in September 2023 will allow girls aged 16-18 to continue playing while undertaking further education directly with Basford United Football Club.

The students have the opportunity to combine education with football development. Training and studying daily, the curriculum includes bespoke strength and conditioning support, competitive matches, and analysis sessions to aid development on the pitch.

The programme will also act as a direct pathway for players into the Basford United Ladies first team. Students will study either the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport, equivalent to three A-Levels, or three A-levels of their choice alongside the football development programme and representing Basford United LFC.

Students will also have the option of subsidised sports meal plans and exclusive subsidised gym memberships.

Entry requirements:
- Four GCSEs at level 4 or above for the BTEC pathway,
- Five GCSEs at level 5 or above for the A-Level pathway.

To register your interest and attend an open evening event and meet the Basford United Ladies staff, please email: academy@basfordunitedfc.com

Women’s Football - aged 18:
The final step of the pathway for the 2023-24 season is Basford Ladies FC Women's development centre, forming the foundations for players to be scouted for the ladies first team.

Women’s senior Football (Development) – with the Euros finished and more women than ever before are playing football in England, and there are lots of opportunities to get involved at different levels which are suited to fit your ever-changing life demands.

If you are looking to get back into playing football or are currently playing and want to be part of this new step in our pathway - with training twice weekly at Basford - then we would like to hear from you.

Benefits include (but are not limited to):
• High level, sport-specific training a minimum of twice a week
• An opportunity to train alongside the ladies first team
• A full-time academic/vocational course on site at Greenwich Avenue, home of Basford United
• Competitive and friendly matches with local football clubs (including professional clubs)
• Feedback on performance and progression IDP
• Opportunities for potential players to be put forward for ESFA national team trials
• Opportunities of exit routes into local clubs/teams beyond college
• Full playing/training kit that mirrors the clubs first teams
• Advice and guidance on diet and exercise programmes
• Coaching, leadership and volunteering opportunities
• Access to qualified, DBS checked, and emergency aid trained coaches/staff
• Use of gym and 4G playing and training facilities.

If any element of our female pathway is of interest to you, or you have any further queries, please contact Stephen Rooth at: stephen.rooth@basfordunitedfc.com

To declare your interest for any programme ahead of the 2023-24 season, please do so by CLICKING HERE!

All trial dates will be confirmed in due course.