Page 19 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.31 2022-23

In Division One South, runners-up Knowle recorded yet another victory, Marian Byrne
netting twice along with Demi-Lee Rolph and Alana-Mai White as they won 4-1 away to
Leamington Lions. In the other game, Marie-Claire O'Brien was on target for Rugby Town
as they shared a 1-1 draw with Kingfisher, a result which means both teams stay level on points.

Leicester City FC Women’s Academy Pathway has attained Tier 1 status as part of the launch of
a new Professional Game Academy programme by the FA that aims to transform the
development of female players for senior professional football.
The Tier 1 Pro Game Academy, which focuses on Under-16s and Under-21s age groups, will
also include significantly enhanced coaching and performance investment, as well as being
supported by a new Emerging Talent Centre structure for younger age groups.
This new pathway comes at a time of rapid growth for LCFC Women and women’s football,
with the Football Club now further strengthening its commitment towards providing a world-
class route into the game for aspiring young talent throughout the country.
The Club can also confirm that 18-year-old midfielder Monique Robinson has signed
professional terms after plotting her own route through the LCFC Women Academy Pathway to
the First Team. This is a further demonstration of the Club’s commitment to development and a
journey that, with the implementation of the new Professional Game Academy Programme, will
be replicated many times in the coming seasons.
With the promotion of participation and elite development at its heart, the new structure is
aimed at driving the long-term development of the women’s game – a commitment shared by all
at LCFC Women, whose football operations have been based at the Club’s elite training facility at
Belvoir Drive since 2021.
Leicester City Chief Executive Susan Whelan said: “The achievement of Tier 1 status in the
FA’s Professional Game Academy programme is a significant milestone for LCFC Women and a
step towards our long-term aims of attracting, developing, and retaining outstanding female
talent.
“The progress of Monique Robinson – who has completed the journey all the way along our
Academy pathway to joining the Women’s First Team squad – is a perfect example of our vision
for this model and the future of LCFC Women.
“Our Tier 1 status is not only exciting for our vision of delivering sustained on-pitch success,
but it also provides opportunities for bright young talent to participate and develop in a leading
environment through investment in the Emerging Talent Centre for our youngest age groups.
“These changes are also underpinned by increased investment in coaching and performance
structure around our Academy pathway, ensuring that we continue to strive for a progressive
environment that gives us the best chance to develop homegrown players that can deliver
first-team success and contribute to the growth of the women’s game.”
Designed to develop players in all aspects of life, the programme will provide first-class
education and lifestyle support alongside it's elite coaching schedule for girls of all ages. An
unparalleled programme, support will range from curriculum provision, active and healthy
lifestyle advice to post graduate and foundation degree opportunities.
On-pitch work will see an elite coaching network functioning towards the development of an
effective pathway that will prepare players to compete at the highest level of the sport - all while
maintaining a clearly aligned, safe and inclusive Club environment for youngsters to thrive.
A community-based Sister Club model and the introduction of an Emerging Talent Centre
will also see younger players offered the opportunity to explore their footballing potential in
technical development sessions while playing regular competitive football in a community
setting. The Foxes' Sister Clubs and Emerging Talent Centre will also receive the benefit of
coaching sessions delivered by coaches from LCFC Women’s Academy Pathway, alongside a host
of other benefits.
As part of the new structure, a new Head of Academy position will also be created and in
place to oversee the day-to-day running of the new programme from the 2023-24 season. The
robust framework will serve the purpose of developing home grown Academy players that deliver
first team standards and success.
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk