We are extremely proud to announce numerous success stories through the Colchester United Community Foundation Girls Pathway. Through the Girls Development Centre (GDC) and Emerging Talent Centre (ETC) a number of Colchester United girls have signed for clubs such as Arsenal, London City Lionesses and Charlton Athletic.
A huge congratulations to Sienna, Jasmine, Ruby, Isabelle, Erinn, Poppy, Beatrix, Callie, Erina & Rosie!
“Colchester United ETC has improved me as a player in so many different ways. If you get the opportunity to join Colchester you should be really excited, grab it and give it your very best. It will be great for your development, everyone is lovely and you will make good friends. It’s a great club to join.”
Isabelle
Sienna's parent said:
“The coaching team have been fabulous. They quickly identified her strengths and areas for development, got to know her well and really focused on all aspects of her development. This in turn gave her a confidence boost, which meant she improved in all aspects of game. Having a consistent point of contact and coaches meant Sienna felt comfortable going to training and knowing the standards they all expected. Niamh has had such an impact on Sienna that she wants to follow in her footsteps by becoming a coach - if she doesn’t play for England herself obviously! Colchester United is a really positive learning environment with a focus on player development. The setup is well organised, and sessions are well planned to ensure all the girls can improve. The standard of players is higher than at her grassroots teams and this is testament to the standards of the coaching they receive.”
Isabelle’s parent said:
“The quality of coaching, the challenge of training and playing alongside other talented players have helped Isabelle develop across all areas of her game. The coaches create a great environment, they communicate well and strike a great balance between challenging the players to improve and giving them the confidence and support they need to do so. For Isabelle, it has been a real happy place. She has been encouraged to push herself and develop as a player, knowing she has the support and guidance around her to help her succeed.”
“Erinn now has belief in herself to be able to go out on the pitch and play at the best of her ability time and time again, she has developed so much over the past 2 years at the club. The ETC is a standout program because of the level of commitment from all the staff at the foundation and all the work that goes in to making it one of the most enjoyable experiences that Erinn has ever had in her football journey so far. We can’t thank all the team enough, especially Niamh and Brett for their support and for creating such a fantastic environment for Erinn to grow.”
“I decided to join ETC because I wanted to progress in my ability as a football player and had heard how good the foundation was. I enjoyed my time at the ETC because of the positive environment, the coaching team and the standard of football. The coaches have helped me improve, understand the game better and encouraged me to use my skills and abilities to the best advantage.”
“She has loved every moment, and all the opportunities Colchester United Community Foundation has given her. She has made some lifelong friends along the way. Callie is extremely grateful to Niamh and Luke for the massive contribution in her development allowing her to get the opportunity at Charlton in the first place.”
A Proud Moment for Colchester United
“We are so pleased to see a number of girls heading to professional football clubs. It makes us immensely proud that we're able to play a big part in developing girls and allowing them to have a platform to kick on from.”
Niamh Gamble
Women & Girl’s Development Officer
Everyone at Colchester United Community Foundation is delighted to see the girls take this next step in their footballing journey. Their hard work, enthusiasm, and love for the game have been clear throughout their time with us, and we wish them every success in their futures.
We would also like to thank our dedicated coaches, whose commitment to developing young players continues to make a lasting impact.
From all at Colchester United Community Foundation, congratulations, girls!
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