Oldham Athletic Club to launch Women’s Academy

Development Officer Holly Espie is calling on young players from the local area to sign up. A UEFA A candidate coach with experience at clubs including Manchester United Women’s Academy, Holly will head up the exciting new programme at Boundary Park.

Holly believes that, whilst football ability is important, nurturing young people’s skills as individuals is vital for them to be able to showcase their talent on the pitch.

That’s why she’s keen for them to progress and people, first and foremost, giving them the best platform to launch their career in sport.

“We like to take a person-first approach to the girls we coach," Holly said.

“Looking at how we can develop them as individuals is important because if they’re not okay and I don’t understand them, then I’m not going to be able to get the best out of them on the pitch.

“We want them to be able to express themselves as individuals.

“From there, developing them as people will transfer over into the classroom where they’re in a good and safe environment, where they can knuckle down and do their studies.

“That opens up their opportunities further; we can look at a scholarship in America or step straight into university.

“If someone really wants to go to America, then we can sit down at the end of year one and start speaking to scholarship companies and get them out there.

“The qualification is equivalent to a level two or three, depending on their pathway.

“Going for level three will give them two to three A-Levels, which will take them straight into university.

“The qualification is also a nice stepping stone into apprenticeships or scholarships.

Based at Boundary Park, a set of brand new, bespoke classrooms have been built, giving students the best place to learn as part of their NCFE Level 3 Diploma.

They’ll also be used as part of post-match analysis, where they can discuss and learn from their experiences on the pitch, with the goal of becoming better footballers.

Women’s football has grown exponentially in recent years, in part due to the success of the Lionesses. It’s the perfect time for people to get involved in an exciting, long-term project at Oldham Athletic.

“That fits into what we’re doing here at Oldham Athletic; we want to give local girls opportunities and give them access to football at an early age, which they might not otherwise have.

Part of that long-term project is the creation of a women’s first team, giving those joining the course a clear path to open-age football, as well as all the benefits of the educational qualifications.

Holly knows just how tough the step up can be and wants to use her experience to make it as easy as possible.

“I played at the highest level I could step three and four, then got injured and moved into coaching at Curzon Ashton for six years with their girl's team, taking them up until under 16s.

“Then I completed my UEFA B with them and stepped over to Blackburn Rovers Ladies Academy, starting with the under-12s but going up to the under-16s within the first season.

“I was there for a few years before moving to Manchester United where I am today.

“I got on the UEFA A license course this season and will be starting that soon.”

“Come and be a part of this journey we’re going on.”

Girls leaving school this summer and qualifying for the U17s age category are eligible and encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible.

*Info: Email football.applications@oldhamathletic.co.uk for more details.

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