Arsenal Ladies - Ladies Academy

Apply for the Academy online here.

	David Dein opens the Arsenal Ladies Academy

ARSENAL LADIES FC are one of the few clubs to operate with an academy for 16 - 19 year olds as from September 2000. Arsenal Ladies Academy gives young female players the opportunity to combine football training and academic studies on a day to day basis.

The Theoretical aspect of the Academy will be based at OAKLANDS COLLEGE, in the picturesque city of St. Albans, Hertfordshire and various aspects of the Practical Component will be based at the prestigious Arsenal Men's Training Ground, London Colney. The Academy is sponsored by NIKE as is Arsenal Ladies FC.

The Academy will offer a BTEC National Course in Applied Sports Science (equivalent of 2 A Levels) whilst allowing the players to continue with their development as a footballer with excellent coaching at the fantastic facility of the Men's training ground.

David Dein with our stars of the future

However, if the standard entry criteria of 4 A - C's at GCSE level is not met, individual courses have already been organised for those who need a different course. In the other extreme, the college are willing to offer additional A Levels for those who wish to extend their educational potential. There is accommodation available and in the current first year, girls have come to the Academy from all over Great Britain and beyond.

The students in the Academy would be able to offer their services to the surrounding community and schools in the form of supervised coaching and football development work. The students will hopefully be able to undertake their Junior Team Managers Award and FA Coaching Certificate whilst studying their academic courses at the college.

	The ladies get put through their paces

It is our intention that all students take a Sports Leaders Award to help facilitate the community work. We aim to take the students into the surrounding schools to set up soccer schools or coaching centres in curriculum and extra curriculum time.

The students currently have their lectures in the morning and football training in the afternoon's with matches on Wednesday afternoon's / evenings. You do not have to play for Arsenal Ladies FC to qualify into the Academy but if you are interested, you may get a chance to trial for the team.

Fred Donnelly is the Academy Director (ex-Deputy Head and Arsenal Youth Coach) and he is assisted by Sian Williams (B License Coach & ex-teacher).

If you are interested for the coming academic year (2004-2005) and you are currently in Year 11 or 16-19 years old, please call 01727 737 700 ext. 6722 for further information or fill in an application form.