Oaklands women’s football Academy A guide for new applicants 2020-21
In association with
Arsenal women fc
“
We take a holistic approach to player development, it’s not just about football, it’s about creating an inspirational environment where players can develop into well rounded, independent young women.
”
- Joe Montemurro, Arsenal Women FC Head Coach
CONTENTS Academy Facts
4
Meet the Support Team
5-7
Training & Fixtures
8
Dual Career Academy
9
Studying at Oaklands
10
Joining the Academy
11
Success Stories Academy Links Residential
12-13 14 15
OPEN & TRIAL DAYS We believe it’s important you find out everything you need to know before joining us, which is why we run open days throughout the year.
Open Event Dates • Tuesday 4th February 5PM - 8PM • Tuesday 28th April 5PM - 7PM • Thursday 18th June 5PM - 7PM
Trial Dates • Sunday 9th February • Sunday 5th April See website to register your interest.
ACADEMY
Facts
Oaklands College Women’s Football Academy in Association with Arsenal Women FC. Oaklands College Oaklands College is a Further Education establishment located in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Students have the opportunity to study a wide variety of courses including A Level and vocational qualifications while combining their further education with their ongoing football development. Arsenal Women FC The Women’s Football Academy is run in association with Arsenal Women FC. The link provides a wealth of knowledge and experience from within the women’s game, to support and develop female students in their football journey. Arsenal also provide all coaching and performance support for the academy teams and all students on the programme. Women’s Football Academy The Women’s Football Academy provides all students/players with the unique opportunity to develop their football as well as continuing with their education and aims to prepare female footballers for the next step in their football journey. The Academy Development Pathway will form 3 levels: Arsenal Women FC WSL Academy Programme - Elite This programme is aimed at elite players that have played at the highest level in the game aged 16-20. Players are expected to have played within an FA Regional Talent Club or Advanced Coaching Centre at Under 16s or within a high level boys programme. 4
Competition for places is high and international experience in desirable. This squad will play within the FA WSL Academy League and Cup competitions as Arsenal Women FC. Oaklands AWFC Development Our Development programme is aimed at players that may have played at some point within an FA Regional Talent Club, FA Advanced Coaching Centre, our AWFC Player Development Centre, high level boys or girls club set up. We expect players within this programme to be aspiring to step up to the next level and have a good understanding of what it takes to be an elite athlete. This squad will play within the AoC Championship League & English College Cup competitions.
Oaklands AWFC Potential Our Potential level programme allows players of all abilities to be involved in a full-time football education programme and help develop their football abilities to the next level. This programme is aimed at players that have the drive and determination to improve. Players are expected to demonstrate a similar commitment to daily training sessions, in order to help each player achieve their full potential. This squad will play within the AoC Championship League & English College Cup competitions. As part of our Talent Identification process, players may be offered a place within any of our three programmes. Players will have the opportunity to challenge themselves to progress within the Academy Development Pathway to play at the highest level.
MEET
the Support Team Our Women’s Football Academy support team are fully trained, licensed coaches with vast playing and coaching experience, all of whom work on behalf of Arsenal Women FC.
TESSA PAYNE Academy Manager Tessa joined the Arsenal Women in 2016 as the Academy Manager, having previously worked for the FA in a variety of roles. Tessa has a wealth of experience in development female footballers at Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC and Wimbledon FC and holds an A Licence in Coaching as well as FA Level 4 Talent Management, Strategy and Leadership. Tessa now oversees the development of all players at Arsenal from U9s - U21s, including the WSL Academy and Oaklands College Women’s Football Academy.
ELLIOT ALLUM Academy Head Coach Elliot joined Arsenal in 2017, starting at Arsenal FC’s boys pre-academy, before moving into his current role within Arsenal Women. Elliot holds a number of roles including Youth Development Phase Lead, overseeing all female youth players from U14s - U16s, as well as coaching the U21s Academy and Oaklands College Programme. A former coach at Reading F.C. Women, Elliot has experience developing players from U14s through to the Women’s First Team. 5
IAN BIGGADIKE Academy GK Coach Ian leads the goalkeeping provision across all U9s - U21s within the Arsenal Academy and has been involved with Arsenal Women since 2014. Ian holds the UEFA B Licence, B Licence Goalkeeping award and works specifically with all of our U14s - U21s goalkeepers. He also runs five of his own goalkeeping academies across the country.
HOLLY SKINNER Academy Operations Coordinator Holly has been involved with the FA’s Girls England Talent Pathway in various roles within Club and Regional programmes, including Operations, Coaching and Talent ID for a number of years, including some time spent coaching in the USA. Before joining Arsenal Women FC, Holly was a Football Development Officer at MK Dons working in their Sport & Education Trust across their Elite Football and Community Projects including BTEC and RTC programmes. Holly holds her UEFA A Licence & FA Youth Award and currently oversees all the Academy Operations from U9s- U21s at Arsenal Women.
GEORGE WELLS U21s Academy Assistant Coach
6
George has now been involved at Arsenal for five seasons having joined in 2015. George has worked in various roles within football and brings a wealth of experience to the programme. Prior to his time at Arsenal he worked at Middlesex FA Girls Centre of Excellence, where he coached across various age groups during his time there, including the U13s, U15s and U17s girl’s squads, before progressing onto work with Watford Ladies U21s/Development Squad.
LUCY BURDIN Academy Administrator & Assistant Coach Lucy joined Arsenal Women FC in 2015, where she started coaching within community projects and Player Development Programmes. After completing her Masters in Sports Psychology, Lucy began the role of U10s Head Coach, more recently leading the U12s. A UEFA B Licenced coach, Lucy has a wealth of coaching experience including working as a Education Mentor at the Stevenage Football Foundation.
AMY SHAW Academy S&C Coach Amy joined Arsenal Women in Oct 2019 having previously worked at AFC Wimbledon where she was the Boys Lead Academy Sports Scientist/ Strength & Conditioning Coach working with a range of age groups from 9-U18s. Amy has played football herself for over 15 years up to national level. She has completed an MSc in Strength & Conditioning degree at Middlesex university, she is a Level 3 Advanced Personal Trainer and also gained her FA Level 2 in Coaching Football. Amy is responsible for the physical performance and athletic development of all players across the Arsenal Academy including the WSL Academy U21s and the Oaklands College squads.
LAURA CLINT Academy Physiotherapist/Sports Therapist Laura joined Arsenal Women in Oct 2019. Having graduated from University of Hertfordshire in 2017 she has since gained experience in Canada as a sports therapist, working at Luton Town, England Rugby League University squad and also London Broncos as their Scholarship Lead Therapist. Laura is responsible for the medical provision across the Oaklands College Academy programme and also provides support for other Arsenal Academy teams when required. 7
TRAINING
& Fixture Programme
The Academy training schedule works around the Oaklands College Academic schedule with training sessions, usually taking place in the afternoon’s between 1-4PM. Training Monday Pitch based individual and team training sessions/gym S&C session. Tuesday Pitch based team training sessions and match preparation. Wednesday Afternoon academy fixtures. Thursday Recovery sessions/gym and strength & conditioning session. Friday Pitch based individual and team training sessions/gym S&C session (Exact squad training times may vary depending on which academy programme the players are selected for)
Fixture Programme
All players will participate in Wednesday afternoon fixtures but may compete in different leagues, cups and competition programmes to ensure each squad are challenged at the appropriate level.
1. Arsenal WFC Academy - WSL Academy League 2. Oaklands College/AWFC Development - English Colleges League 3. Oaklands College/AWFC Potential - English Colleges League (Players within the Arsenal WSL Academy programme are not permitted to play for another club at the weekends. Players within the Oaklands-AWFC Development & Potential Programmes are allowed to play for other clubs, with the exception of playing for another FA WSL club.) 8
DUAL CAREER
Academy Dual Career Academy Arsenal Women and Oaklands are proud to ensure that our Academy has a dual career focus. This means that there is an equal balance of importance of a player’s football development that may lead to a professional football career, while also ensuring that every player also remains focused on their academic aspirations to provide alternative career options. We also take a holistic approach to every players development, its not just about football. It’s about creating an inspirational environment where players can develop into well rounded, independent young women. We hope that every player leaves the programme a better footballer but also a better person and that we can help them to thrive, both in their football careers as well as their personal and professional lives. The programme will allow players who are passionate about their sport to realise their goals on the pitch and identify potential careers to pursue alongside - or after football.
Gracie Pearse Arsenal WSL Academy & England U18s Gracie Pearse joined Arsenal at 8 years old and has progressed through all of their youth teams, including their WSL Academy U21s. Gracie is now a student at Oaklands College studying on both the BTEC Level 3 course as well as A Levels. Gracie has also represented England at U15s, U16s and U17s levels and continues to balance her academic aspirations as well as performing at the highest level for her age group. 9
STUDYING
at Oaklands
The College offers a broad spectrum of courses, ranging from BTEC Level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications as well as a range of A Levels to ensure every student can choose the appropriate academic pathway that suits their individual aspirations. Students are expected to engage fully in their studies and there is regular communication with tutors and coaches to ensure all students are on target academically. If players are falling short of expectations regarding their attendance and/ or completion of required work and assignments, students can be withdrawn from playing and/or training. Timetable Clashes There are sometimes academic timetable clashes with training times, which we will work together to try to avoid where possible, in the event that these are unavoidable, players must recognise their academic commitments will always take priority over football. Student Expectation It is an expectation that all students without GCSE’s in English and Maths (graded at 4 or above) will retake English and/or Maths alongside their main programme, either as a GCSE or Functional Skills Qualification. Student Advice Team Oaklands College has an excellent student advice team who can support students with any pastoral needs. There are trained support tutors available in the Learning Resource Centre to support students with assignment work, outside of lessons. Additional Learning Support Students also have access to additional learning support for students with particular needs, either on a one to one basis or through in class support, as well as special exam arrangements if required.
10
JOINING
the Academy Am I eligible?
Am I suitable?
All members of the Female Academy programme must be enrolled as a student at Oaklands College. Students must be 16 or 17 years old on 1st September of the year of entry.
Students applying for the academy programme are expected to have a real dedication towards improving as footballers, students and as people.
Places may be offered on A deep-rooted passion for the the programme subject to game is the starting point for successful application and trial. any successful academy player, accompanied by a willingness Students who wish to join the Academy need to be registered to work hard on all aspects of their game. on a course with Oaklands College for the academic year starting September. The WSL Academy Programme will accept players who choose to attend an alternative FE/HE institution, but players will be required to gain release from their School/College/University in order to commit to the daytime training programme and Wednesday fixtures. The academic interview and football trial can take place in any order and information regarding trial dates can be found on Page 3.
Students on the programme are expected to be self-motivated, and will be guided to become independent and self-organised in all aspects of their life. The programme constitutes a significant time commitment on top of your academic studies. Learning to balance all aspects of the academy programme and day to day college life are key to success.
11
ACADEMY
Success The Arsenal Women Football Academy has witnessed the rise of a number of football stars throughout its 32 year existance, with Oaklands College providing the platform for success of Arsenal legends such as Alex Scott, Jordan Nobbs and the new and emerging Melisa Filis.
Success Stories: Many other professional female players can be found across the WSL, who have come through the Arsenal Women Youth System over the years. These include current Arsenal First Team squad members Ruby Grant and Silvana Flores, as well as Gemma Davison, Gilly Flaherty, Ellen White, Chloe Kelly, Lauren James & Rianna Dean to name just a few.
Jordan Nobbs Arsenal & England Senior International Honours: England Senior International Caps: 56 England Senior International Goals: 7 Jordan Nobbs attended Oaklands College in 2010/11, studying Sports Studies part-time whilst playing for the Arsenal Women FC. 12
ACADEMY
Success Leah Williamson Arsenal & England Senior International Leah joined Arsenal Women in 2006 as a 9 year old and has progressed through the age groups with real promise. Leah was part of the U17s league and cup double-winning squad in 2013 and broke into the Senior squad in 2018. Having captained England at U15s and U17s, Leah was called up to the England senior squad in November 2017, making her debut against Russia in 2019 in a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier. Williamson was involved in the England squad that won the 2019 SheBelieves Cup in USA, playing in the final game, a 3-0 win over Japan.
Melisa Filis Arsenal Women FC First Team & England U19s International BTEC Level 3 Sport & Exercise Science Oaklands College student Melisa made her First Team debut in the Continental Cup against Charlton Athletic Women in December 2018 and has since experienced First Team full training and a regular squad member. Melisa has also represented England at U15s all the way to U19s level.
13
ACADEMY
links
Arsenal Women FC Oaklands College are proud to have formed a new link with Arsenal Women FC, who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their Women’s Football Academy. In association with Arsenal Women, we are now able to provide an extensive football education pathway for female students who wish to combine their football and education. Arsenal Women provide all of the coaching provision across all levels of our Women’s Football Academy.
FA Women’s Super League (WSL) As of September 2020, Oaklands College will become the principal Further Education Provider for one of the FA Women’s Super League Academy programmes, as the FA aims to provide elite female footballers with the opportunity to remain in an elite WSL Football programme, whilst continuing their academic studies. The programme will see other WSL Academies visit Oaklands College as they compete in the FA WSL Academy League and professional female footballers come to visit us at Oaklands.
University of Hertfordshire The University of Hertfordshire continue to be a key partner with both Oaklands College and Arsenal Women. Through the universities “Performance Herts” programme they will provide ongoing Strength & Conditioning support for the WSL Academy Programme, as well as delivery of some of the Academy lifestyle support provisions.
Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) The Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme is a Sport England funded programme that invests performance support services into elite performers across all sports. TASS forms a key partnership with the University of Hertfordshire who are an approved TASS Delivery site for these elite athlete support services. Any players that have been identified by the FA as emerging talent within the England Youth setup will gain support through TASS, delivered through links with the University of Hertfordshire and Arsenal Women FC. 14
New residential accommodation due to be completed in 2020. Residential
Scholarships & Bursaries
The College has a limited number of residential accommodation spaces available for students who live further afield.
We have a scholarship fund which helps support gifted players with living, travel or kit costs.
Should you wish to apply for residential accommodation at the College, this should be included in the online application when prompted. Detailed residential application packs will then be distributed for completion and places will be allocated accordingly. The new residential homestead will accomodate over 80 students in a secure, state-of-the-art facility complete with student lounge and communal kitchen space.
Scholarship allocations are assessed and offered on an individual basis, and fulfilling the eligibility criteria does not necessarily guarantee an offer of a scholarship. Additionally for students from lowincome families, financial support may be available to support with these costs. For more information, contact us via email at info@oaklands.ac.uk or call 01727 737000.
Alex Scott MBE Retired Ex-Arsenal & England International
Honours: England Senior International Caps: 140 England Senior International Goals: 12 Alex Scott MBE attended Oaklands College in 2009/10, where she completed a Sports Studies course whilst playing for the Arsenal Women Football Academy. Alex lifted 5 FA Women’s Premier League titles, including one FA WSL title, three FA WSL Cup’s, the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2006/07 and the FA Cup on seven occasions. 15
Oaklands College Hatfield Road, St Albans AL4 0XR
www.oaklands.ac.uk/wolves/arsenal-women 01727 737000 @OaklandsAWFC @ArsenalWFC arsenalwomen@oaklands.ac.uk