England Women’s U-23 and U-20 squads are to be joined to form a new U-21 age group, with Mo Marley as head coach.
The multi-disciplinary team allocated to the Under-23s will move to the Under-21s and Marley will take the position of head coach for the 2018-19 season.
Kay Cossington, The FA’s head of women’s development team and talent, said: “Following a thorough review, we feel the new structure will benefit and improve the England talent pathway.
“The new programme aligns with those across Europe and it was vital to ensure this was in place ahead of next summer’s senior World Cup.”
Senior head coach Phil Neville added: “The transition between youth and senior football is so important and with the newly-formed Under-21s age group now top of our professional development phase, I feel very confident we’re all heading in the right direction.
“Mo Marley is a vastly experienced coach who excels at developing young players. We want to build on her success with the U20s in the summer and the opportunity to use a small number of over-age players that we feel have senior potential will also prove beneficial.”
2018-19 coaching set-up summary
Youth Development Phase:
U15 – John Griffiths
U16 – Lydia Bedford
U17 – Gemma Grainger
Professional Development Phase:
U18 – Emma Coates
U19 – Rehanne Skinner
U21 – Mo Marley
