CCWFC launch underage academy

Cork City Women’s FC recently launched the under 8,10 and 18 academy for future stars of the Rebel Army at the Spraoi Hope Centre in Montenotte, and the John Birmingham Centre in Glasheen.The initiative, which hopes to build further grassroots ambitions for football in Cork, has coincided with an excellent season for Cork City Women’s senior side, who are sixth in the table and awaiting the semi-finals of the FAI Cup. Elsewhere, the Rebel Army have been making their mark on the international stage, with Amanda Budden’s call up to the senior international side while Saoirse Noonan and Danielle Burke played for the Girls in Green against Austria last week, scoring a crucial goal to send the Irish home with a point. It is all systems go for Cork City Women’s, a movement which has been reflected by head coach of the under 18’s Rónán Collins;“Since starting with the academy last season different academy players have trained with the WNL senior team, played Gaynor cup, had underage Irish trials, won the U18 interleague, trained with the emerging talent, represented their clubs at adult level and coached at camps.  That is a fantastic impact across all different areas of Cork soccer”With growing numbers, Collins was ecstatic looking forward at the future for Cork ladies football: “It is great to see the interest in the academy increase again this season and it is even better to see so much players coming back which I suppose speaks volumes for how much the players got out of it”However, Collins refused to let himself think too far ahead and placed a firm emphasis over player development before anything else, “Our hope is to continue developing all our players so as helping them develop and reach their own personal targets.  It’s good to see the academy players taking key roles in their club sides and showing a greater understanding of the game.  It is good when you hear international management commenting that it is obvious these players have done that extra bit of work”Finishing up, Collins praised the fertile bed from above for the grassroots initiative, singling out the board of Cork City Women’s and local football representatives. “We are very lucky with the quality of help from the Cork City Women’s board, support from local clubs and the facilities in Glasheen are excellent.  But above all else we pride ourselves on the environment of excellence created by our coaches and the quality of sessions they provide this gives a great opportunity to female players who want to better themselves and are looking for the next challenge to help them become better players”For more information on the Cork City Women’s FC Academy contact Joseph on 087-9576801 or email info@corkcitywomensfc.com