Colchester United's relaunched Women's team is "pathway" for "Young Talented Players"
Niamh Gamble, the Women and Girls Development Officer at Colchester United Community Foundation, says she's "proud" and "excited"
Colchester United Community Foundation has officially announced the relaunch of Colchester United women's team after years of dedicated efforts.
In an interview with Greatest Hits Radio Bucks, Beds and Herts: Niamh Gamble, the Women and Girls Development Officer at Colchester United Community Foundation, has expressed her pride and excitement regarding the team's relaunch and the opportunities it will provide for talented young women within the community.
Niamh emphasized the hard work and meticulous planning that went into ensuring a solid foundation for the women's team. She stated...
"It's been a couple of years now of putting things together, making sure that everything's done right, that the infrastructure is there in place."
She also says the announcement brings a sense of accomplishment and joy to the team, as they can finally share the news with the community.
One of the primary objectives of the relaunched women's team is to provide a comprehensive and sustainable pathway for girls at Colchester United, allowing them to represent the club at the highest level. Niamh described this as one of her biggest aims and missions throughout her career in football. She highlighted the importance of offering opportunities for young players at every age, from four years old to adulthood, with the goal of nurturing their skills and passion for the game. Niamh expressed her satisfaction, stating, "I think we're finally sorted there."
To establish this pathway, Colchester United Community Foundation has implemented various programs. Niamh outlined the progression from the Wildcat and Girls Development Centers to the newly introduced Emerging Talent Center. The latter serves as the highest level of play for girls in the UK. Additionally, the club has introduced the Girls Football and Education Program, enabling girls to pursue their studies while representing Colchester United on the field.
Preparations for the upcoming season are already underway. Open training sessions will be hosted, and the expression of interest form has garnered a significant response. Niamh expressed her delight, stating, "The uptake for just the EOI form so far has been way more than I could have ever even asked for." The club is focused on building a strong and committed squad that will represent Colchester United with dedication and achieve success.
When asked about the short and long-term targets for the women's team, Niamh emphasized the importance of establishing a solid foundation in the first season. She acknowledged the previous success of the women's team and aspired to reach similar heights once again. However, she also emphasized the significance of success beyond wins on the field. Seeing younger players progress through the pathway and represent the first team, as well as inspiring future generations, is equally important for the club.
The relaunch of Colchester United women's team not only impacts the players but also has a broader influence on the sport in the East of England region. As one of the few professional clubs in the area, Colchester United aims to showcase its ambition in women's and girls' football. By investing in development programs and establishing a sustainable framework, the club aims to inspire and engage fans and communities, as evident from the positive response on social media and other platforms.
With the relaunch of the women's team, Colchester United Community Foundation has opened doors for aspiring female footballers in the community. By providing a well-structured pathway, the club aims to foster talent, create role models, and generate excitement among supporters. The reestablishment of the team signifies a significant milestone in the club's history and showcases its commitment to women's football.