2014 saw Gillingham FC’s Girls Centre of Excellence continue to develop players from U-9 to U-17, while the club welcomed Gillingham LFC’s two senior sides, besides launching a Girls Academy.
By Charlotte Richardson
Gillingham FC’s Girls Academy gives players aged 16-19 the opportunity to study and play football full time. This year’s inaugural cohort of students have excelled as part of the club’s structure, studying for a BTEC whilst receiving excellent coaching to support their development.
Lydia Wills is another example of a fantastic product of Gillingham FC’s Academy set-up. Part of Gills’ U-17s, the 16 year old was called up by Reserve Team Manger Jason Wright to play Bedford on Sunday January 11th. Lydia not only started the game, getting a taste of senior women’s football, but grabbed Gills’ fourth goal of the afternoon as they beat their visitors 4-1 at Beechings Cross.
Lydia shared her delight after scoring her first senior goal: “It felt really good to score. Sunday was my first full 90 minutes for the senior team, it was also probably the best goal I’ve scored all season and I was happy to win the game.”
Gills breezed to a comfortable league victory with fellow Academy student and Centre graduate Hollie Musmeci netting too. Lydia explained how beneficial playing alongside girls who’ve been part of the club’s celebrated Centre was as she stepped up to senior football.
“It was good to play alongside players who I played with at the Centre, who I haven’t played with for a while. The team gelled well and communicated with one another giving positive feedback.”
The afternoon proved a great one for the Girls Academy with the entire cohort of students featuring. Lydia explained: “It was the first time all the academy girls played 90 together. We’re all looking forward to playing matches with one another next year both with the reserves and academy.”
Lydia revealed the demands of training and studying full time can take their toll but are offering the perfect opportunity to improve.
“Taking part in the academy and playing for the CoE does tire us out due to training a lot of the time, although all the coaches are considerate and help us the best they can such as introducing us to yoga first thing on a Monday. The studying part of the course is also enjoyable because it’s different to a school environment. We’re treated as adults and we’re all focusing on a subject we’re genuinely interested in besides playing a sport we love.”
Academy students also get the opportunity to be trained by Gillingham legend and Ladies Manager Simon Ratcliffe, something Lydia really enjoys: “Simon is a very good coach and I think he has already had an impact on the way we play both mentally and physically. We get individual coaching about how to improve our weaknesses.”
The advice has clearly helped Lydia who has taken senior football in her stride; “I haven’t really found the step up to senior football that challenging, although it is a lot more competitive and physical. You need to be stronger to be able to hold players off the ball.”
Gillingham are already looking to expand upon their Girls Academy for next season and Lydia encouraged youngsters assessing their options to consider joining.
“I’d recommend the Academy to any girl aged 16-19 interested in pursuing a career around football. You finish with a Level Three Triple Sport BTEC which is equivalent to three A- Levels. You also get your Level One and Two coaching badges besides your afPE Level Three Certificate. If you’re interested in a particular area of the sports industry like coaching, physiotherapy, media or in a US sports scholarship, due to being in the Priestfield environment you’ve access to the facilities of a Football League club and receive massive support from everyone at the club.”
Lydia added; “Being part of Gillingham FC feels like a great opportunity for the future. This is the first year the academy has been run for girls and everyone enjoys it. Women’s football is now played at Priestfield and the commitment from the club has had a positive effect on the girls and women involved in the club. “
“At the age of 16 I am already involved in the Centre of Excellence, the Girls Academy and Gills Ladies. Women’s football has a much higher profile and thanks to being involved with Gillingham FC, I hope it will give me great opportunities in the future.”
If you’d like to learn more about joining Gillingham FC’s Girls Academy, contact Adam Lawrence on fitc@priestfield.com or call 01634 350125.
Please register your interest in the Girls Academy by 5pm on Friday 27th February 2015.
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