Budding female footballers in the North East are set to benefit as one of the region’s top sports colleges teams up with Newcastle United Foundation.
Gateshead College and Newcastle United Foundation have joined forces to open new doors for female footballers in the North East, giving them the opportunity to pursue professional football careers both on and off the pitch. This partnership comes at a time when the number of women’s and girls’ football teams across England has more than doubled in the last seven years.
Through the partnership, Emily Dodds, assistant coach at Newcastle United Foundation’s Emerging Talent Centre will coach the college’s women football academy team three times a week. A seasoned footballer and captain of her own team, West Allotment, for the past three seasons, Emily brings a wealth of footballing experience and leadership to the role.
Students will not only receive expert coaching and compete in leagues such as the English Colleges Football Association (ECFA) and the North East Colleges League (NECL) but will also benefit from access to the professional insights and structured support offered by Newcastle United Foundation, giving them a competitive edge in building successful careers within the sport.
Caroline Fitzgerald, Head of Department at Gateshead College, said: “Our partnership with Newcastle United Foundation comes at an exciting time for women’s football, which has seen a surge in interest and participation since the 2022 Women’s Euros. This initiative strengthens Gateshead College’s position as a top choice for young female athletes aiming to pursue a career in football, providing our students with high-quality coaching and crucial connections within the football industry, while also opening doors to various career opportunities within the sport.”
Jak Hogg, Area Development Manager at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “It’s great to team up with Gateshead College to support the development of female footballers in the region. Our partnership is focused on empowering young women to achieve their goals in football and beyond, providing them with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. Together, we’re building a future where female talent is recognised and celebrated.”
For more information about Gateshead College’s Women’s Football Academy and the partnership with Newcastle United Foundation, please visit https://www.gateshead.ac.uk/sports-academies/womens-football-academy/