6:00pm Thursday 4th February 2010
By Frank Smith
Watford have boosted their chances of keeping hold of the best young talented girls in the area by launching a new women's academy.
The Hornets were keen to help create a clear link between the club's centre of excellence and the Watford Ladies first team by launching an academy for 16 to 19 year olds.
It gives those attending the scheme, which is in partnership with West Herts College, the chance to combine academic studies with competing against the other academies in London and the South East.
The programme will also see extensive links created with the USA to increase the chances of scholarship opportunities.
Rob Clarke, Watford's girls and women's development manager, said: "The programme also allows the players to gain their coaching qualifications and put them to good use by ultimately delivering on the many grassroots and elite projects that Watford FC CSE [Community Sports and Education] Trust deliver, so feeding their knowledge and experience to the next generation of players."
Roger Park, West Herts College's head of school sport, travel and public services, added: "It's an exciting and innovative addition to the courses West Herts College can offer in sports.
"We know Watford FC's pedigree and reputation of developing talented female footballers and with the support of the College, I'm sure we can continue to be the front runners in the female game."
Anyone interested in the female academy should contact West Herts College for a prospectus and an application form on 01923 812345 or contact Rob Clarke on 01923 496256 for further details.
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