Town are encouraging young girls to express their interest in becoming a future Tractor Girl with the Blues' WSL academy, St Joseph's College and the Ipswich Town Community Trust coming together in a joint effort to provide football and education for aspiring young players.
Town's WSL academy launched in 2017 under the stewardship of current Town boss Joe Sheehan and has been a resounding success since it's inauguration with the likes of Anna Grey, Eloise King, Abbie Lafayette and Paige Peake all progressing through the Blues' ranks whilst also representing their country at international level. Many other young Tractor Girls have since graduated through the academy including current first-team interim captain Eva Hubbard, who became the first player to make the permanent transition into senior football in the summer of 2019.
The young Tractor Girls have also enjoyed great success on the pitch by securing back-to-back top-half finishes in the WSL Academy League in addition to reaching the WSL Academy Cup semi-finals both in the spring of 2019 and also in 2020 prior to the suspension of the competition.
As part of the Town academy players will get the opportunity to play in the WSL Academy League - the highest level of female academy football in the country. As part of their development players will also receive 10-12 hours a week of elite technical and tactical training, strength and conditioning training, physiotherapy, professional sports psychology support, performance analysis and support with lifestyle and nutrition.
A key part of the dual career opportunities that Town's academy offer are scholarships with the club's official education partner St Joseph's College. The partnership was formed in 2019 and several young Tractor Girls have since committed their educational future to St Jo's as part of the WSL academy dual-career programme. Students will have the opportunity to study for A-Levels or BTEC qualifications whilst also receiving additional individualised coaching and strength and conditioning sessions in the College's first class facilities. Boarding facilities or accommodation with host families is also available if needed.
St Jo's has an established reputation for providing outstanding educational and sporting provision in a beautiful, welcoming environment. They have a proven track record of supporting aspiring elite athletes to achieve their very best both academically and within their sport with numerous students progressing into the professional game. The Elite Girls Football Programme at St Jo's is also available to those who don't make it into the WSL Academy by applying directly through the school. They can still access elite level provision and have the opportunity to play and train with Academy players on a daily basis with support to progress to the best level possible.
The young Tractor Girls have also enjoyed great success on the pitch by securing back-to-back top-half finishes in the WSL Academy League in addition to reaching the WSL Academy Cup semi-finals both in the spring of 2019 and also in 2020 prior to the suspension of the competition.
As part of the Town academy players will get the opportunity to play in the WSL Academy League - the highest level of female academy football in the country. As part of their development players will also receive 10-12 hours a week of elite technical and tactical training, strength and conditioning training, physiotherapy, professional sports psychology support, performance analysis and support with lifestyle and nutrition.
A key part of the dual career opportunities that Town's academy offer are scholarships with the club's official education partner St Joseph's College. The partnership was formed in 2019 and several young Tractor Girls have since committed their educational future to St Jo's as part of the WSL academy dual-career programme. Students will have the opportunity to study for A-Levels or BTEC qualifications whilst also receiving additional individualised coaching and strength and conditioning sessions in the College's first class facilities. Boarding facilities or accommodation with host families is also available if needed.
St Jo's has an established reputation for providing outstanding educational and sporting provision in a beautiful, welcoming environment. They have a proven track record of supporting aspiring elite athletes to achieve their very best both academically and within their sport with numerous students progressing into the professional game. The Elite Girls Football Programme at St Jo's is also available to those who don't make it into the WSL Academy by applying directly through the school. They can still access elite level provision and have the opportunity to play and train with Academy players on a daily basis with support to progress to the best level possible.
In January 2020, BBC Look East filmed a feature on the partnership between Ipswich Town and St Joseph's College in the buildup to Town's Women's FA Cup tie against Huddersfield Town. That video can be viewed here:
The Ipswich Town Community Trust are also recruiting new players from age 16-19 as part of their Post-16 Football and Eduction Programme.
Speaking to the club website, Football and Education Coordinator, Luke Worley, said; " I am delighted to provide further details of our brand new Girls Football & Education programme which provides an exciting opportunity for young people between the ages of 16-19 to continue their academic, footballing and career development through Ipswich Town Football Club."
"This unique and high quality experience will combine focused, small-group educational sessions with our designated education tutor alongside the opportunity to train with qualified coaches and represent Ipswich Town Football Club in our football fixture programme."
"Unlike other schemes where players are tied to that particular club, our Football & Education programme looks to complement existing football provision and allow players to create their own pathway to the women's senior team."
"The Ipswich Town Football & Education Students will study the NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity and follow a carefully planned pathway of modules to provide them with a broad range of knowledge and experience whilst remaining linked to potential career pathways. These may include, but are not limited to, sports coaching, sports nutrition, sports science, fitness instructor, performance analyst, as well as sport-related careers in the media, promotion, PR and management."
In addition, here are the key strengths of the ITFC Community Trust Post-16 Football and Education Programme:
1. The education element will be delivered in our state-of-the-art Executive Suites overlooking the Portman Road pitch which aims to create an inspiring setting.
2. The football coaching is delivered by UEFA qualified and experienced Ipswich Town staff who will provide a professional environment on the Fieldturf at the stadium for players to work in.
3. When safe to do so, the football club will provide behind the scenes visits of Portman Road and Playford Road Training Centre along with hosting seminars and speeches delivered by past and present staff.
4. Players will wear the famous blue and white to represent Ipswich Town in the British College league and also play fixtures against professional clubs and representative sides providing players with the opportunity to exhibit their capability to scouts and coaches.
5. If wanting to continue down the football route then pathways are open to students to become full time employees at ITFC in any number of roles or part-time coaching work in our community programme.
6. A 4-week NCS residential (worth £1500 per player) is free and forms a key part of the programme with Ipswich Town Football Club.
The ITFC Community Trust will also be hosting a virtual open evening on Monday 27 January between 7-8pm. To book your place please visit www.itfctrust.co.uk.
Speaking to the club website, Football and Education Coordinator, Luke Worley, said; " I am delighted to provide further details of our brand new Girls Football & Education programme which provides an exciting opportunity for young people between the ages of 16-19 to continue their academic, footballing and career development through Ipswich Town Football Club."
"This unique and high quality experience will combine focused, small-group educational sessions with our designated education tutor alongside the opportunity to train with qualified coaches and represent Ipswich Town Football Club in our football fixture programme."
"Unlike other schemes where players are tied to that particular club, our Football & Education programme looks to complement existing football provision and allow players to create their own pathway to the women's senior team."
"The Ipswich Town Football & Education Students will study the NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity and follow a carefully planned pathway of modules to provide them with a broad range of knowledge and experience whilst remaining linked to potential career pathways. These may include, but are not limited to, sports coaching, sports nutrition, sports science, fitness instructor, performance analyst, as well as sport-related careers in the media, promotion, PR and management."
In addition, here are the key strengths of the ITFC Community Trust Post-16 Football and Education Programme:
1. The education element will be delivered in our state-of-the-art Executive Suites overlooking the Portman Road pitch which aims to create an inspiring setting.
2. The football coaching is delivered by UEFA qualified and experienced Ipswich Town staff who will provide a professional environment on the Fieldturf at the stadium for players to work in.
3. When safe to do so, the football club will provide behind the scenes visits of Portman Road and Playford Road Training Centre along with hosting seminars and speeches delivered by past and present staff.
4. Players will wear the famous blue and white to represent Ipswich Town in the British College league and also play fixtures against professional clubs and representative sides providing players with the opportunity to exhibit their capability to scouts and coaches.
5. If wanting to continue down the football route then pathways are open to students to become full time employees at ITFC in any number of roles or part-time coaching work in our community programme.
6. A 4-week NCS residential (worth £1500 per player) is free and forms a key part of the programme with Ipswich Town Football Club.
The ITFC Community Trust will also be hosting a virtual open evening on Monday 27 January between 7-8pm. To book your place please visit www.itfctrust.co.uk.
To register your interest in joining the WSL Academy, St Joseph's College Girls Elite Football Programme or the ITFC Community Trust Post-16 Football & Education Programme from summer 2021, please send fill out the following Google form at the earliest opportunity-docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAM2nkhEjIfGMVDftPGW8Rdp7poX4BpRgDQ6ytPqsJikN-YA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
