Leeds United Women players Alice Hughes and Izzy Elliott recently dropped by training at the Girls’ Shadow Squad, chatting with aspiring footballers about their experiences and offering important bits of advice.

Run alongside International Women’s Day celebrations, the two players attended the session which saw over 250 youngsters practicing their skills, from Under-7s through to Under-16s.

Defender Izzy Elliott, who herself came through the Academy, was delighted with the turn out and to be able to offer tips on what it takes to progress into the first team squad.

“It is great to see,” she explained. “Obviously, when I first started, it was only boys’ teams at this age, so it is really good to see that from such a young age, they can be involved and know they have got somewhere where they can keep going.

“Coming down brought back some nice memories. A lot of hours went into training but it all paid off. It is really good to see that they are all willing to do that and now, hopefully, they see a bit more of a future with it and as a career possibility.”

Run by the Leeds United Foundation, the Shadow Squad is an invitation only programme for players who show potential of accessing the Girls Academy.

Solely a weekly training programme, girls can continue to play for their grassroots clubs and play competitive football in grassroots settings. The Shadow Squad focuses on the individual player, working to improve their technical ability to push them into the Academy.

The session proved to be a memorable one for all involved according to Abigail Lee, Women & Girls’ Head of Department at the Leeds United Foundation, who believes the impact of speaking with Izzy and Alice will help inspire the stars of tomorrow.

“It is great for the girls to have some representation of the Leeds United Women’s team. Especially players like Izzy who have come through the Leeds United pathway because you could see they were thinking she has played here since she was eight and they can see that in themselves.

“They both spoke really well to the girls and you can see they will go away thinking that they can play for Leeds United Women when they are older as well, which is what we want to promote – not just wanting to play for Leeds United but wanting to play for Leeds United Women.

Midfielder Alice Hughes added: “It is massive. I think especially reflecting on my journey through football as well, seeing this many young girls involved with it today and just linked with Leeds, it is such a massive thing. It is seeing the girls of tomorrow starting to come through which is incredible to see.”

More information about the Shadow Squad can be found HERE.