Young females in Preston will now be given greater opportunities through the FA England Women’s Talent Pathway with Preston North End Community and Education Trust forming part of the newly expanded Talent Inclusion Programme.
The Talent Inclusion programme ensures that through existing community activities, female participants can be identified and referred to the FA England Women’s Talent Pathway. Social class, ethnicity and demographics should not be a barrier to success.
For girls showing potential, the programme creates a pathway from community to full England honours, with an educated workforce that identifies and supports potential.
PNECET Schools Provision Officer Sagwati Malabi said: “Preston North End Community and Education Trust is delighted to be working alongside the FA and 33 other EFL Club Community Organisations for the Talent Inclusion Programme.
“We have a wide-ranging and diverse provision which allows us to inspire generations through the power and appeal of football and Preston North End.
“We hope to use that to reach talented young female footballers in and around Preston and provide opportunities for them to play football more regularly, while supporting the ultimate ambition of the programme, which is supplying players for the future for the England Women's National Team.”
We will be supported by an education and learning programme managed by the EFL Trust and supported by The FA.The longer term aspiration of the programme is for all English EFL clubs to engage.
FA Women’s Talent Pathway Operations Manager, Alexis Lunn-Gadd commented said: “Our Partnership with the EFL Trust contributes hugely to our ongoing work to develop and deliver an accessible and inclusive talent pathway. We are delighted that the programme has expanded to 34 Clubs.
“We cannot underestimate the impact of the bespoke work the CCO’s will be delivering within their communities and how that will undoubtedly help unearth potential hidden talent.”
Loo Brackpool, Head of Participation and Community Engagement at the EFL Trust comments said: “We are delighted to be continuing our work in partnership with The FA to really address areas of need. The EFL Trust network of Club Community Organisations delivers in some of the most diverse communities within the country, engaging thousands of girls on a weekly basis.
“We know there is talent out there, we just need to provide the opportunities by working with the network and The FA to make talent pathways more accessible by understanding local need and barriers.“
For more information about the FA England Women's Talent Pathway, please contact sagwati.malabi@pne.com.