The Leeds United Female Youth Pathway is now accepting applications to trial for their Emerging Talent Centre and Girls Academy.
Ahead of the new season, we are looking for young females that would like to progress and develop their footballing abilities, with the Emerging Talent Centre open to Under-10s through to Under-12s and the Girls Academy covering Under-14s to Under-16s.
Please see below further information around the two pathway programmes, and for anything else please contact [email protected].
Leeds United Emerging Talent Centre (ETC):
The Leeds United Emerging Talent Centre (ETC) is committed to identifying and developing future potential players by providing a local, accessible, and high-quality training environment for girls in the U10 to U12 age groups.
The programme offers increased playing time, exposure to varied football formats, and allows players to continue playing for their grassroots club, school, or representative team, enhancing their overall football experience through a diverse range of playing opportunities.
ETC Players Benefit From:
Specialist technical coaching tailored to age and ability
Strength and conditioning support appropriate for developing players
Stretch and challenge opportunities for high-performing players
Access to physiotherapy support at every training session
Alignment with The FA’s technical and physical development framework and Leeds United blueprint
A games programme including small-format fixtures against boys and girls GR teams and other ETCs
The Leeds United ETC runs for a minimum of 30 weeks per season and serves as a central hub for selected female players across Leeds and the surrounding areas.
We work closely with grassroots clubs and schools to support player development and ensure a balanced approach to participation and progression.
Programme Structure:
One ETC training session per week (1.5 hours of technical training per age group)
Training fixtures throughout the season
Entry via a trial and selection process
Leeds United Girls Academy:
The Leeds United Girls Academy represents the pinnacle of female player development at the Leeds United Foundation. With two age groups—U14s and U16s. We focus on developing players for the Leeds United Women’s First Team and supporting those with the potential to progress into the FA Women's open-age pathway and the National setup.
Our players receive access to a comprehensive, high-performance training programme, which includes:
Three training sessions per week
Weekly fixture programme
Access to top-tier facilities, including Leeds Beckett University’s state-of-the-art sports centre
Strength and conditioning programme
Nutritional guidance and psychological support
Technical and tactical focus
Competitive Environment:
Players compete in the Junior Premier League, facing boys’ teams on the fringe of academy setups, as well as top girls’ teams from West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire, and the North East. This mixed competitive experience ensures our players are continually stretched and challenged.
Impact and Player Progression:
Our Academy is proud to produce not only technical footballers, but also well-rounded individuals prepared for life on and off the pitch. Alumni of the programme have gone on to represent England and play for clubs across the Women’s Championship, Women’s National League and Women's Super League.
