Ravenscroft girls football

2017-2018 Ravenscroft Player Development Centre

The end of the 2017/18 academic year and football season marks the second full year of the Guernsey FA delivering the Ravenscroft Girls Player Development Centre (PDC).

This delivery programme has proven to be both popular and a great success, with the Guernsey FA delighted to have seen significant growth in the number of girls participating in the weekly PDC sessions. Over the course of the two years the numbers of girls participating has continued to increase to the current position, which sees 45 girls registered for the PDC and of whom 38 now have their purple Ravenscroft kit after attending a minimum of 10 sessions. The incentive of the free kit, generously provided by Ravenscroft, has been a huge motivator for the girls to keep attending and they love wearing their kit each week and having that collective identity. 

Guernsey FA Women & Girls Development Officer, Joelle Pengelley, who oversees delivery of the Ravenscroft PDC commented that:

‘It is a fantastic sight to see all the girls wearing their kit on a Monday afternoon.  We have a wealth of girls over all ages attending the weekly sessions which is building the foundations for the future in order to potentially create female only teams with the potential to start a mini girls league all because of the support we have been provided by Ravenscroft.  It is great to have the support from Ravenscroft as they are so supportive in providing the PDC with great exposure and the girls love wearing their kit and long may it continue to aid female football in Guernsey.

In April, the Guernsey FA held the Ravenscroft Festival, which coincided with the FA Girls Football Week, and was attended by 38 girls of which 11 were new to the PDC environment  and of those seven have now been awarded their kit for attending the 10 sessions.

Guernsey FA Chief Executive Officer, Gary Roberts, reflected on the growth and success of the PDC and commented that:

‘The Guernsey FA is both proud and encouraged with the positive growth that has been seen at the Ravenscroft PDC, and is really excited to see girls football continuing to grow and build a bright new future for girls football in Guernsey. The specific girls only opportunities that we are now able to provide are only possible through the support of the Guernsey FA partners and I would like to again thank Ravenscroft for the commitment and support they continue to show to Guernsey football and in particular the PDC. It is important to also acknowledge the work and influence of Joelle and the team of volunteers supporting delivery of the PDC, who have all been instrumental in creating a positive and welcoming environment for the girls to enjoy playing football, learning and having fun.“

The Ravenscroft PDC will close during the Summer school holidays and re-commence on Monday 10th September.

Anybody interested in learning more about the Ravenscroft PDC can contact Joelle Pengelley on:

Email – Joelle.pengelley@guernseyfa.com

Tel – 01481 200443