Somerset’s Female Talent Pathway 


Somerset FA’s Girls Emerging Talent Centre (ETC) is a bespoke programme designed to support the development of Elite Female Players across the South West of England from U10s to U16’s.  Somerset are delighted to have been awarded the licence to run this programme over the next 3 years, from 2022/23 Season.

The FA recently conducted a full review of the female talent pathway over the last 2 years and following in-depth consultation, research and insight, has developed the new pathway ‘Emerging Talent Centre’ which will support players across each County area with a bespoke and holistic programme to support players with additional training development and fixture opportunities, whilst complementing the player’s grassroots club environment. 

The Purpose of an Emerging Talent Centre

To identify and develop future potential through local and accessible high-quality training environments.  Below are some of the key aspirations for the change to the female talent pathway model with the Emerging Talent Centre: 

The Somerset FA ETC will provide a professional environment to allow Elite Female Players to reach their full potential within the game and have the opportunity to progress up the Player Pathway.

As well as additional coaching, players can expect to receive 1:1 support from their coaches, additional opportunities for learning outside of training, player reviews throughout the season, strength & conditioning programmes / training, GK specific Coaching for GKs, and support from FA members of staff around injury prevention and a Nike Kit package.

The Programme will continue to support the long term development of the players and provide them with the tools to achieve their goals while moving through the FA’s England Talent Pathway.

The Somerset FA ETC is hosted at Strode Sports Centre, Old Church Road, Street, BA16 0AB, on Wednesday evening between 6pm and 9pm on their 3G artificial pitch.

The ETC provides extra training and support in addition to coaching the players receive at their grassroots club. Every player will continue to play for their club and receive extra coaching one evening a week from FA qualified coaches. This includes specialist coaching for goalkeepers. 
Players will also play in Regional ETC fixtures and festivals against other Emerging Talent Centres in the South West Region and a fixture programme that will involve playing against mixed teams predominantly during School Holidays and training time.

To be eligible for selection for the ETC, female players must be playing in an affiliated grassroots club and / or a competitive school team, during the 2022-2023 season.  We host trials to identify players selected to the ETC squads and as part of these trials, we align our characteristics with those of the Lionesses Characteristics – please see attached for Outfield and GK Characteristics.  We want our players to love football, enjoy playing football and be focussed, competitive and ready to learn in their player journey.