To begin I asked her how she had enjoyed being a part of the Ultimate Goal Academy?

Mollie said that it was a great experience and incredible to be around Eni Aluko, Rachel Brown Finnis and Mollie and Rosie Kmita and that she did her best to be like a sponge to soak up all that she could to benefit from their experiences and knowledge, knowing that there is the potential to learn so much.  It helped with making clear goals and helped illustrate what it takes to get to the top level of football.

She also enjoyed the masterclasses that were held, all adding to the motivational and beneficial experience of the Academy.

It soon became clear that Mollie is always looking to learn and progress and she is committed to putting everything into every session so that should an opportunity arise she will be able to make the most of it.

Playing for England at all levels between U15 and U21 (earning 60 caps) and winning bronze in the U20 World Cup has given Mollie a taste of what can be achieved and she is clearly ambitious enough to strive for the top to make the most of her own potential.

Wanting to earn a degree and continue with her football Mollie bravely packed her boots and headed for the University of Louisville in Kentucky.  This didn’t work as well as hoped but undeterred she transferred to the University of Central Florida in Orlando.  

The move proved to be a masterstroke as at Central Florida Mollie was coached by former US player Tiffany Roberts and her husband Tim (former MLS player).  She clearly thrived on the experience and opportunity of being able to learn from such top level players.  They also provided the support required both on and off the field, essential for a youngster so far from home.

I asked Mollie what she thought about the standard of football in the USA, at college level.  She told me it is incredibly high and pointed out how many English and Canadian players go through the US system.

It is hard to imagine in the UK but college sport in the USA is huge, it has amazing facilities, a massive fan base and wonderful stadiums; results to college games being reported on radio and TV. So a touch of fandom for our young player.

On returning to the UK Mollie went to Lewes to play in the Championship but after six months there she was offered her first professional contract with City Lionesses – an exciting moment in her young career.  Lionesses are currently third in the League.

Having a professional contract makes such a huge difference to an athlete, to be able to focus on football, training and playing rather than having to balance a full time job.

Mollie clearly aspires to playing at the elite level of the game and will be working hard to achieve that aim.  She told me that her team-mates at City are equally focused on being the best that they can be and striving for the top.

I asked her what her dream is: WSL, Champions League, World Cup, Olympics or playing for a European side?

She responded with “all of the above”.  

Having learnt so much from playing in the USA and benefiting hugely from the experience she would always be open to playing for a European side.

In whatever down time Mollie gets she loves being outside, walking and appreciating nature.

It was an absolute pleasure to chat with Mollie; she is bright, ambitious and hard working – I do hope that she achieves her dreams and we at 4tlos wish her all the best.

We will be keenly watching from the sidelines to see her progress.

Ultimate Goal series two premieres on BT Sport 3 on Tuesday 2nd November at 10.15pm, with episodes airing over the next five weeks on Tuesdays on BT Sport. All six episodes from series two will be available to watch via the BT Sport App from Wednesday 3rd November.

Ultimate Goal tells the story of 26 aspiring professional female footballers and their experiences during the competition as they develop skills with with world class coaches led by England football legends Eni Aluko and Rachel Brown-Finnis at a grassroots club and at the home of English Football – St George’s Park.

The series forms part of BT’s commitment, as part of its partnerships with each of the four UK “Home Nations” Football Associations, to inspire a new generation of girls and women to participate in football, on and off the pitch.

Aspiring professional female footballers are being encouraged to enter a new season of BT Sport and Insight TV reality competition show ‘Ultimate Goal’ – and be in with a chance of winning a contract at one of the world’s top clubs.

The series forms part of BT’s commitment, as part of its partnerships with each of the four UK “Home Nations” Football Associations, to inspire a new generation of girls and women to participate in football, on and off the pitch.

Producers behind ‘Ultimate Goal’ Season Two are now scanning the globe to find 26 players who will live and train as professional footballers at their exclusive Ultimate Goal Academy.

So no matter where you are in the world, if you are 18 or over and think you’ve got what it takes then visit www.ultimategoal.tv to apply. For those that shine brightest, a chance in the professional game awaits…

During the competition, you will develop your skills with world class coaches led by England football legends Eni Aluko and Rachel Brown-Finnis at a grassroots club and at the home of English Football – St George’s Park.

The academy will run between 17th-27th May and will put you through your paces improving all aspects of your game. Former and present superstars of the game and world leading football experts will give you unique masterclasses, guidance and mentorship that will stay with you forever. Past mentors have included Robin Van Persie, Peter Crouch, Jens Lehmann, Jill Scott, Fara Williams, Rio Ferdinand, Faye White and Freddie Ljungberg.

At the end of the process, you’ll have to dig even deeper, playing an 11-a-side match against top class opposition in front of dozens of scouts from all over the world from top clubs including Lyon, Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal.

‘Ultimate Goal’ will be premiering on BT Sport autumn 2021 in the UK and on Insight TV worldwide. The show is currently in pre-production by Zig Zag Productions (‘The Next Jamie Vardy’, ‘The Football Show’)

Arun Maljaars, Insight TV’s Vice President of Content and Channels, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for budding female football superstars to showcase their talents on the big stage and compete for a chance to earn a lucrative contract at one of the world’s top football clubs. We are delighted to again be partnering up with BT Sport to bring another season of ‘Ultimate Goal’ to audiences across our linear and digital networks and look forward to seeing a new crop of talent put through their paces.”

Jamie Hindhaugh, chief operating officer, BT Sport, said: “Ultimate Goal 2020 aptly demonstrated the powerful new opportunities in women’s football that can be created by combining some of the leading organisations in sport and broadcast. Ultimate Goal season two in 2021 will build on BT’s extensive work with the four UK Home Nation football associations to create a legacy across women’s football.”

Danny Fenton, CEO of Zig Zag Productions, said: “Seeing the return of ‘Ultimate Goal’ is both a vote of confidence in the concept but also means more female football players will get the real life chance to become professionals as part of this process. This show mirrors the growth in popularity of the women’s game globally and this has also been reflected in the international uptake in the finished programmes and format. This is a very exciting time to be involved in a project like this around the world of women’s football.”

Courtesy of Pitch

Ultimate Goal sees 31 women from across Europe live and train like professional footballers as the hopefuls take centre stage at the home of English Football, St George’s Park.

The Ultimate Goal Academy is managed by former Chelsea, Juventus and England legend Eni Aluko and former Liverpool, Everton and England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis, a BT Sport football analyst. The two managers are assisted by former professionals Mollie and Rosie Kmita (former West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur players) who serve as team coaches.

During the series Fara Williams, Rio Ferdinand, Faye White, Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann, Jill Scott, Peter Crouch and Robin Van Persie give the players the benefit of their experience and expertise in unique masterclasses.

Viewers get to know eleven of the women through in-depth profiles that shine a light on their lives and how they tackle issues such as equality, bereavement, mental health and discrimination.

Ultimate Goal has already produced a number of success stories, including one player who achieved her dream of playing abroad after signing for a club in Iceland soon after leaving the academy. Another of the academy alumni was given the captain’s armband during her first season at one of the leading academies for women’s football in the UK. Meanwhile, one of the contestants is now a regular starter for a club in the FA Women’s Championship.

Jamie Hindhaugh, chief operating officer, BT Sport, said: “Ultimate Goal builds on BT’s commitment, as part of its long-term partnerships with each of the four UK “Home Nations” Football Associations, to inspire a new generation of girls and women to participate in football.”

Highlights of each episode:

Episode 1 – Premiering Tuesday, November 3: Thirty-one players start their Ultimate Goal journey at St George’s Park. First impressions are vital as they get out onto the pitch and try to catch the eyes of Managers Eni Aluko and Rachel Brown-Finnis. We see the first Masterclass of the series as Manchester United and England legend, the BT Sport analyst Rio Ferdinand imparts his vast defending knowledge with the squad.

Episode 2 – Premiering Tuesday, November 10: Emotions start to affect the players as the enormity of the opportunity hits home. England’s highest capped women’s player of all time Fara Williams provides the star quality, as she passes on a lifetime of experience in her midfield Masterclass.

Episode 3 – Premiering Tuesday, November 17: It’s the last chance to impress as the cut from 31 to 16 looms large. There are goalkeeper and striker Masterclasses from Eni Aluko and Rachel Brown-Finnis, before they have to make the tough decisions as to who stays and who goes home.

Episode 4 – Premiering Tuesday, November 24: The drama of the cut concludes in the Ultimate Goal Academy with joyful happiness and teary goodbyes before the final 16 get back on the training field with renewed vigour. It’s time to find the team leaders with help from England star Jill Scott and Swedish legend Freddy Ljungberg.

Episode 5 – Premiering Tuesday, December 1: With the showcase match against Birmingham City fast approaching, the managers are keen to turn this fantastic squad in to a winning team. Communication, a winning mentality and patterns of play are the focus. There are two more masterclasses as Germany legend Jens Lehmann puts our remaining keepers through their paces and England legend and BT Sport analyst Peter Crouch brings the smiles to his striker masterclass.

Episode 6 – Premiering Tuesday, December 8: The final episode of Ultimate Goal is all about the final preparations with the expert help of England legend Faye White’s tactical guidance, and Dutch star, the BT Sport analyst Robin Van Persie’s inspiring words. Follow all the action as they play the biggest game of their lives in front of watching agents and scouts.

The Ultimate Goal series is a collaboration between BT Sport and Insight TV. BT Sport will air the series in the UK while Insight TV will air the program in the US and the rest of the world.

This programme is a culmination of BT’s ongoing work with the football associations of the four home nations. 

After an open call via social media to female footballers across Europe asking them to apply by sending video applications, a panel of experts which included former international footballer Alicia Ferguson, Rachel Brown-Finnis, Eni Aluko and Rosie and Mollie Kmita, narrowed down the qualifiers to 31 players.

The diverse squad includes footballers aged 18 to 28 and from across the UK and mainland Europe and a variety of backgrounds.

All of the selected players went through a quarantine period prior to being tested and are restricted to the filming site for the duration of the production for the safety of the entire cast and crew.

From the 31 players, will go through intense training and scrutiny at St George’s Park before a final team of 16 will be chosen by Eniola and Rachel to prepare for a trial match against a top women’s football team (yet to be disclosed), which will be attended by scouts from professional teams from around the world. Further details of this game, (including venue) will be released at a later date.

Ronnell Humes

“I am delighted to be hosting Ultimate Goal to give an opportunity and window for female players from around the world to show their footballing talent and potential,” said Eniola Aluka. “The women’s game is fast growing with so much talent available not always with the avenues or that pathway for that talent to be found. It is great to be part of a show that showcases that talent in an elite football environment like St George’s Park. I am a great believer in second chances and am delighted that these players are being given this opportunity.”

Rachel said: “I feel really proud to be a part of the Ultimate Goal Academy, providing an opportunity for girls from across Europe to have this unique chance to get back into the game of football, for whatever reason that they may have either become disengaged or feel they have not had the right opportunity. Our scouting network across the UK, even across Europe is a little bit hit and miss, so this is a really good chance for anyone who thinks they’ve got the skills or the potential or even the full package to be scouted by what is, ultimately, the top league in Europe, the Women’s Super League.

On asked how the cut will be made and who will be making the decision Rachel said: “Alongside our producer, who is also a former international footballer, Eni, Mollie, Rosie and I will be making those decisions. It’s not just about what is on the pitch but we are looking at the players, their conduct in and around the hotel; how they interact with the players. So far it has all been super positive. Pretty much every single girl who is here didn’t know anyone before they got here but they have bonded so quickly, it has been fantastic.

Emma Coolen

“Clearly this is a unique opportunity for the girls to better themselves and get a better opportunity, it is unprecedented for women’s football on TV. It is also the best opportunity, since I finished playing for me to pass on some of the things I have learnt, not just goalkeeping but how you conduct yourself as an international player and the longer terms benefits of what you learn as an elite athlete and how they crossover into real life and beyond football.”

Eni: So there’ll be one cut. So there’ll be one cut from 31 to 16, and that will be within five day. So, the players have not got a lot of time to show what they’re about but that’s part of the game, it’s part of the pressure of structured professional football. You’ve got to take the opportunities where you can.

On asked how they were enjoying the experience and being at St. George’s Park?

Ronnell  Humes: “Yeah, it’s an amazing experience because you didn’t get this opportunity come up often. So you have to grab it with both hands and then just literally expect everything that gets thrown at you.”

Emma Coolen: “Yeah, we were talking about it yesterday that for us players it’s kind of a win-win-win situation, because you can’t lose anything from this. Like the worst case scenario, you get cut and you go home. You’ve had the amazing experience of being here, playing with these coaches, these players, and these amazing facilities. So, we can only win from it so that’s, that’s a great thing.”

And the players reaction to being teammates and competitors for one of the 16 places:

Ronnell  Humes: I think it’s a bit hard at first. At first, everyone’s like yeah I got in, it’s all kind of new to everyone. But when you’re on the pitch, it’s a different story because you’re fighting for a place. But at the same time, you want everyone to do well so it’s kind of challenging, but I guess it comes down to who works the hardest really. And who’s willing to put in that extra work.

Emma Coolen: Yeah, I agree. I feel like, compared to playing at club level, at least in my experiences, at club level you want to play; you want to make the team better. Also, the coach wants to win. And here, from day one that we’ve all been here, you can really feel the atmosphere. Of course, everybody wants to make the cut. But everyone is like we got to make each other better. We got to, you know, let everyone…  I’m not here to just showcase myself, and that’s not something that was told to us or that one person said, that’s something that kind of organically happened both on and off the pitch. Just we are here to be to play the best football we can; all of us. May the best woman win. And that’s a great feeling.

The selected 31 players include (in alphabetical order):

Ellie Bohannan, 22. From the UK. 2018 Development League and Cup winner, former England U 15 International and former Everton U 17 player.

Tasia Brough, 18. From the UK. A former Man City player, currently at Stoke City.

Selin Buyukgiray, 23. From the UK. Former Brentford FC academy player who scored 42 goals in 24 matches. Father was professional footballer in Turkey.

Dayna Chong, 24. From the UK. Played for Milwall, Tottenham and West Ham United. Combines playing football with work as a care assistant in residential home for adults with learning difficulties.

Emma Coolen, 26. From Holland. Emma went from rebellious teen to top-flight footballer.

Alice Curr, 22. From the UK. Trains 6 to 7 days a week while also coaching. Current Fulham FC player.

Amy-Rose Dodds, 20. From the UK. Studying coaching and plays for Hashtag Utd.

Maria Farrugia, 19. Malta international. Top scorer for Sunderland College.

Olivia Fox, 21. From the UK. Currently a Sports Dual Career Scholar at the University of Derby, playing for Derby County Women.

Ruth Fox, 21. From the UK. Plays for St Ives Town. Published a book in 2018 about mental health and football.

Olivia Gunn, 19. Has previously lived in France. Trains with the AFC Sudbury Academy.

Ronnell Humes, 21. From the UK. Clinical finisher in front of goal. Works for Tottenham Foundation coaching children 6-15 years old.

Falhat Hussein, 19. Born in the Netherlands. Not allowed to play football when younger but has broken down stereotypes by playing for both Charlton and QPR.

Shardonna’e Kekere-Ekun, 18. From London. Grew up shielded from gang violence by her grandmother and uncles. Currently plays for Charlton Athletic.

Haley Kern, 22. Born in the US, currently lives in Scotland, plays for Forfar Farmington Ladies. Her College team became 2017 Northwest Athletic Conference Champions.

Samaira Khan, 28. From the UK. Played at Wesleyan College in the US. Currently playing for Cambridge United.

Sue Kumaning, 22. From the UK. Played for multiple clubs, including QPR, Arsenal and Barnet.

Emily Mackler, 19. From the UK. Represented Maccabi GB at the 2019 European Maccabi Games in Budapest.

Tyra Mills, 20. From the UK. In foster care growing up, football was her outlet during times of hardship. Played in the 2018 Homeless World Cup in Mexico.

Olivia Moore, 19. From South East London. Involved in the “Rising Ballers” academy, has done footballing shoots for Lucozade and Nike.

Georgie Morton, 20. From Colchester. FA Youth Cup Winner. Former Arsenal, Tottenham and Ipswich Town player.

Hayley Nolan, 23. From Ireland. Played in the US for 5 years and in the European Championships (2014).

Ellie Paris, 25. From Bromley, Kent. Crystal Palace player. Chosen as Sports Ambassador on football tour to Beijing, China.

Harriet Pavlou, 28. From the UK. Former England Junior turned Freestyle Football star who now boasts 4.9 million TikTok followers. Captained England’s 5 a side team and holds a fastest dribbling skills female record.

Holly Rogers, 20. From the UK. Covid-19 put a hold on her trials at England University this year.

Rio Rosenberg, 18. From the UK. Recently signed for Crystal Palace development team.

Evita Schippers, 24. From Holland. Recently graduated from the FIFA Master.

Erin Smith, 18. From the UK. Currently at West Bromwich Albion. Also a Miss England Finalist (2020), frontline care nurse during Covid-19 pandemic and Ambassador for WASUP charity.

Georgia Stevens, 20. From the UK. Got her first pro contract at Sheffield United at 18. Has played for Liverpool and Everton.

Amber Taylor, 19. From the UK. Recently signed for Watford FC.

Alex White, 20. From the UK. Currently plays for AFC Wimbledon and represented England in Homeless World Cup. Works in Kings College Hospital during Covid-19 pandemic.

Ultimate Goal, airing on BT Sport later this year, sees women footballers vie to play in a special match watched by scouts from leading sides. It supports BT’s work with the UK’s four Football Associations to inspire women and girls’ participation in football.

• Furthers Insight TV’s goal to connect great storytelling with culturally relevant topics
• Show forms part of BT’s strategy to inspire women and girls to get into football
• Ultimate Goal currently in pre-production by Zig Zag Productions

BT Sport, the UK and Ireland sports broadcaster, has partnered with Insight TV, the millennial-focused broadcaster, content creator and format seller, to co-produce Ultimate Goal, a six-part reality competition format.

Premiering on BT Sport in the UK and on Insight TV worldwide in late 2020, and currently in pre-production by Zig Zag Productions (The Next Jamie Vardy, The Football Show), Ultimate Goal will capture the journey as 28 women compete for the chance to take part in a one-off match in front of scouts from women’s teams around the world. Eniola Aluko, the former Chelsea, Juventus and Lionesses player, will host the show.

Eniola, who also played for Saint Louis Athletica, Atlanta Beat and Sky Blue FC in the U.S, will lead a team of football legends who will act as mentors and coaches to the contestant players. BT Sport football analyst, the former England national team goalkeeper Rachel Brown Finnis, will also mentor the players and the twins Rosie and Mollie Kmita (former players for West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur) will be coaches.

From the 28 women, a team of 14 will be chosen to prepare for a trial match against a top women’s football team, which will be attended by scouts from teams such as Chelsea, Barcelona, Arsenal, Lyon, and the Orlando Pride. Participants from around the world seeking the opportunity to take part are being encouraged to visit www.ultimategoal.tv.

The series forms part of BT’s commitment, as part of its long-term partnerships with each of the four UK “Home Nations” Football Associations, to inspire a new generation of girls and women to participate in football, on and off the pitch. BT’s partnership with the associations, launched in February, uses technology, innovation and digital skills to help change the lives of millions of players, coaches and fans. BT Sport has been broadcasting women’s football since its launch in 2013.

Arun Maljaars, VP Content and Channels, Insight TV, said: “Insight TV is always looking to tell compelling stories that are exciting, inspiring and relevant to what’s going on in our world. With Ultimate Goal, we wanted to build on the significant work being done in the UK and internationally to grow the women’s game on and off the field through the power of storytelling. We’re excited to partner with BT Sport to give women’s football the exposure it deserves. We are hoping that this show format will empower and encourage young women to get into football.”

Jamie Hindhaugh, chief operating officer, BT Sport, said: “BT Sport is proud to be involved with a project which builds on BT’s extensive work with the four UK Home Nations to create a legacy across women’s football.”

Danny Fenton, CEO of Zig Zag Productions said: “It’s long been our ambition to produce a competition reality series based around women’s football. The game has exploded in popularity and together with Insight TV and BT Sport we aim to create a show that will help to inspire the next generation of talent in the women’s game. We are currently securing talent for the show, both as mentors and contestants.”

Produced by Zig Zag Productions, one of the UK’s foremost independent production companies, Ultimate Goal will be shot in 4K UHD HDR on location at the FA’s St. George’s Park National Football Centre.

Courtesy of BT Sport via Pitch