Sydney FC has created its Female Football Pathway to assist ambitious young players in reaching their potential of becoming the next Matildas stars.
The pathway bridges the gap between grassroots and professional football, bringing the present gap in chances for females to shift from one to the other closer than ever.
It will leave a lasting legacy for professional women’s football in Australia, building on the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
The program provides opportunities for selected talented players to train under the Sydney FC Youth philosophy. It is run by coaches who work at the Sydney FC Academy, or have previously worked there, and follows a curriculum based on the skills taught at their Academy to maximise development of players of this age.
The program runs from Term 4 2023 through to the end of Term 3 2024 and is capped to a maximum number of players. The 2023/24 program is open for applications from talented 11, 12, and 13-year-old girls who are currently part of GSAP or Development squads at their local association or NPL club.
Sydney FC Chairman Scott Barlow commented on the focus of developing women’s football.
“We want to create the best elite pathway in women’s football and provide a clear vision for the best young female footballers to transition into a professional career.” he stated via press release.
“Young, talented girls should have the same opportunities as boys to play football professionally and we are committed to developing the next Sky Blues and Matildas.
“It is clear what an enormous impact the Women’s World Cup had on our country and it is vital we invest in the development of future generations of female footballers.”
Cortnee Vine, a forward for the Matildas and Sydney FC, believes this the best way to unlock more success, both at a domestic and national level.
“The Women’s World Cup showed us what we can do without pathways such as this, so imagine what we can do with it?” she added via media release.
“It will be of enormous benefit to Sydney FC and the Matildas, with more chance of success in the future.
“It’s also hugely important to give young girls the best opportunity of a professional career in football which is what this will provide.”
The elite pathway begins at the new Sky Blues Female Training Program, which leads into the Sydney FC Development Squad, before selection in the Sydney FC A-League Women’s team.
For full details on the Female Training Program, you can find it here.
