Ladies laying a Foundation for the future
ELEVEN current and former Foundation of Light participants have been named in Sunderland AFC Ladies’ squad for the 2018/19 National League season.
The Lady Black Cats kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Fylde at the Hetton Centre as they look for an instant return to the Women’s Super League.
Hoping to make their mark this season will be Foundation Scholars Emily Hutchinson and Hannah Skull, who join nine Sunderland and Gateshead Regional Talent Club graduates - including club captain Kiera Ramshaw and forward Bridget Galloway - in the 18-strong group.
Claire Robinson, Sunderland RTC Technical Director and Foundation Scholarship coach, said: “Our aim is always to give aspiring and talented players the opportunity to play and gain valuable experiences.
“Emily is a passionate, energetic and competitive person and being around the Sunderland Ladies’ squad will definitely challenge her and improve her game.
“Hannah has just started her journey with Foundation Scholars so we are looking forward to seeing how this fantastic opportunity will enrich her development.”
With local talents such as Manchester City Women’s Steph Houghton and Jill Scott, Rachel Laws (Reading), Olivia Watt (Middlesbrough) and Victoria Curtis (Newcastle United) expected to star over the coming year, the Foundation’s football pathway continues to make its mark on the women’s game.
Robinson added: “There is a depth to the Foundation’s Women and Girls’ programmes which offers opportunities for everyone, whatever their ability.
“Having so many current and former Foundation participants involved at all levels of women’s football from the England captain to those taking their first steps in the game demonstrates the strength of our pathway.”
Earlier this year the Foundation, which has engaged more than 500 participants in the past 12 months through its women and girls programmes, was shortlisted for the ‘Best Participation Initiative’ at the FA Women’s Football Awards.
The Foundation has also received a £6,000 ‘Grow the Game’ grant from the Football Foundation and Durham FA which will help encourage more girls to play football through the creation of four new girls-only teams at under-eight and under-10 level.