Crystal Palace Ladies
Youth
“Youth football is the backbone of any club. As I mentioned before,
we run a youth programme from U9s upwards. We run two programmes
alongside each other which enables fluidity between the two.
We have the ability to move players around depending on ability and
skill and also then move them if they are struggling to a less demanding
regime. We have seen players come right through to the senior side
from U10s, showing that there is a pathway for those that want to take
advantage of such.”
Integration
“From our U16 Academy onwards players could be picked to play up
in the senior leagues. We have a very strong Development side that helps
in the transition to adult football. Those players that show the talent and
ability have the opportunity to play in our Reserve team on occasions to
help them get a feel for the game.
After all we could have a 16-year-old playing against a 26 year old -
it can be quite a daunting task, but one that I know every Development
player strives for with the ultimate aim to make the First Team.”
Community
“You can’t really walk round our area and not call it a community club!
From the fans who make the journey each week between Selhurst Park and
Bromley, they have followed our women through thick and thin and are
our 12th player on pitch!
The Crystal Palace Foundation run many coaching sessions and
football courses throughout primary schools in the local boroughs and our
players are very much part of the team visiting and helping out at these
sessions along with the men’s club. There is a very unique spirit amongst
Crystal Palace fans and not one I have ever come across before.”
Challenges/Ambitions
“To be fair, we’ve had our biggest challenge last year being awarded
the Championship License but I suppose I would have to say money and
bringing in enough to sustain the club and players that we would like to
bring in is a test.
Over the next five years we’ll obviously look to make it to Super
League, but keep up the momentum of the seniors and get stronger, which
is happening now thanks to the Men’s club, but also running alongside
that brining on the next generation of female footballers and being able
to give them the support and recognition that they deserve and hopefully
having a senior club that can sustain them to become stars of the future.”
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