A football pathway to the top for female players in South Devon

The growth of women’s football in recent years has been nothing short of phenomenal, underpinned by the success of the Lionesses, and with the strengthening foundations of opportunities for young girls entering the game.

In that spirt of growth and development, South Devon College and Torquay United Football Club (TUFC) have renewed their official ‘Youth and Education’ partnership, further cementing their shared commitment to providing high-quality education alongside elite football training for young people across Torbay. 

The collaboration gives both male and female students access to a clear pathway into the professional game. It builds on the strong foundations of the College’s long-established boys’ programme, which has already seen a number of students step up to train with - and even feature for - Torquay United’s men’s first team already this season. Six of the College’s players, including Coby White and Fin Herbert, were involved in the recent Devon Bowl fixture, which was a very positive experience. 

This exposure to senior-level football has given players invaluable experience and highlighted just how far the College’s football pathway can take them. 

Now, for the first time, female students at the College will benefit from a direct pathway too. The growing girls’ programme is linking up with TUFC Women, offering regular training opportunities, match experience at Plainmoor, and the chance to impress at the highest level. 

Watching the England Lionesses defeat Spain on nail-biting penalties during the UEFA European Women's Championship earlier this year was an inspirational moment for many and that, alongside the Red Roses’ recent victory at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, is bringing women’s sport to the forefront, and this partnership ensures that many girls will have the opportunity to hone their sporting skills to the max. 

The partnership also gives TUFC’s first teams access to South Devon College’s excellent facilities, including a 3G pitch, sports science and nutrition labs, gym spaces and performance analysis rooms – making the College a vital hub for sporting development in the region. 

Matt Burrows, Assistant Principal at South Devon College, said: “This partnership is fantastic news for the local community. South Devon College always aims to work with key community partners to create the best opportunities for young people, and this collaboration with TUFC is a great example of that. We’ve already seen male students progress into the men’s first team set-up, and now our female students are benefitting from a similar pathway too.” 

Torquay United Manager Paul Wotton added: “It’s great to be able to use South Devon College’s facilities – the 3G pitch means we can train in all weathers, and the analysis and sports science provision is excellent. Having students train with us during pre-season and beyond shows them a clear route into professional football, and it highlights to the local community what can be achieved.” 

Student Charlotte Shaw, 16, is studying Sports Coaching at the College. She said: “Training with Torquay United Women helps me develop as a player, gaining different skills to bring into the College team.” 

Daniel Gaze, Head of Sport at South Devon College, commented: “Our Academy football programme is designed so students can combine academic study with high-level training. They compete in College fixtures on Wednesdays and also benefit from strength and conditioning and analysis sessions. It’s as close to a professional environment as we can make it, and that’s reflected in the number of students who progress to higher levels of the game.” 

Student Jonah Shaw, 16, studying Sports Coaching, said: "I chose to come to South Devon College because of the reputation and strength of the academy, as well as the opportunities with TUFC.  

“I've already played a pre-season game, a Devon bowl fixture and been involved with first team training, so it's been a great start. The football programme is brilliant and it's so good to be able to study alongside it." 

With boys and girls alike now benefitting from direct pathways to professional football, this partnership is creating life-changing opportunities for young people across Torbay – and inspiring the next generation of players to follow their sporting ambitions. 

You can find out more about the range of courses available at South Devon College and meet the Football Academy team at the Open Evening - register today (link: October Open Evening - South Devon College)