Yeovil Town Ladies FC player Leah Burridge has been officially appointed as the new Women’s and Girl’s Football Apprentice at educational partners Bridgwater and Taunton College.
Leah Burridge (Photo by Terry Fisher)
Burridge, who has progressed from the clubs development squad into the first team squad, will take on the new role, which aims to grow the number of women’s and girl’s participating in football on a regular basis to improve education, employment and health outcomes for young people.
The new post is one of only a few across the country, which will be working closely with The FA, Somerset FA and Bridgwater and Taunton College. Burridge will be tasked with developing opportunities for women and girls to access football, along with increasing the number of females volunteering in football as organisers, coaches and referees.
Speaking about her new appointment Burridge said “The new role is something which I can’t wait to get started with. The opportunity to work at Bridgwater and Taunton College to see female football grow is exciting and through the existing partnership with my club Yeovil Town Ladies FC, this will only benefit so many people.
“I am extremely passionate about female football in playing, coaching, leading and supporting and I can’t wait to be a part of something which is only going to get bigger and bigger.”
There is more good news for Burridge, as through the Elite Player Pathway already in place at Bridgwater and Taunton College, it will also allow for Burridge to access additional hours of football, in order to continue to improve as an elite level player. Aside from her day to day job role, she will been seen on a college training field, or in the college gym, enabling her to be a make more progress.
With this years female college team confirmed to compete in the ECFA Category One Elite League, this role as Women’s and Girl’s Football Apprentice, will play a very valuable part in growing the game at all levels and not just the elite end.
Sam Reilly, who is Head of Sports, Outdoor Education and Public Services at Bridgwater and Taunton College said ““We are delighted that Leah is joining our Sports Development Team at the College. It is clear that her passion, dedication and enthusiasm for playing, coaching and officiating football is infectious and no doubt will inspire girls in the local community to get involved with football.
“Leah will also be an excellent role model for girls who aspire to move into the professional ranks, helping to provide an insight into playing at a consistently high-level and nurturing talent within the college.”
Report courtesy of Yeovil Town Ladies FC
