AFC Bournemouth help Tilly realise her potential through the EFL Talent Inclusion programme.
As the European Championships kick off in England, the Lionesses head into the tournament on home soil as one of the favourites. We look at how the Talent Inclusion Programme is helping girls, regardless of their background, join the pathway to become a future Lioness and emulate their heroes; Ella Toone, Mary Earps, Ellen White and Keira Walsh.
So whilst we look forward to celebrating our current Lionesses tonight as they take on Austria at Old Trafford in front of a sell-out crowd, let’s also look to the future of England Women’s National team.
AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust have been one of 34 EFL Club Community Organisations running the EFL Talent Inclusion Programme.
The Talent Inclusion programme ensures that through existing community activities, female participants can be identified and referred to the FA England Women’s Talent Pathway.
Identified through the programme was Tilly. Initially picked up through the Premier League Primary Stars programme when her then primary school, Talbot Primary took part in a local school’s tournament, Tilly went on to progress to the AFC Bournemouth Under 12 girls’ team for the 2021/22 season.
Having previously played for a mixed gender team where she earned the respect and admiration of the boys and their parents alike. As Tilly’s father, Daryl explained: “Some of the lads didn’t want to give her the ball initially as she was a girl, so she quickly had to learn to be strong and to hold her own amongst the group and earn their respect.”
Tilly moved into playing girls only football, training twice a week and playing regular fixtures in the Hampshire Girls Youth Football League, who won both the league and cup last season.
Tilly was referred to the Talent Inclusion Programme and observed by the FA, as a result, she is now being monitored as part of the FA Women’s England Talent Pathway which is part of the process for considering players for England Youth Teams.
Tilly’s love for AFC Bournemouth and the opportunities it has provided her transcends into her future aspirations. She explains: “I am a very focused and driven person and just want to get better each game/training session. I would love to work my way up into the women’s first team at AFC Bournemouth and to keep improving each season!”
Head of Community Steve Cuss, and AFC Bournemouth Women’s Manager Steve Cuss, commented, “Providing the right opportunity for players at the right time is vitally important, and through our community sessions we are able to identify players to join talent pathways to reach their potential.”
“Tilly is one of those players who we have identified, and we are delighted to be able to offer her the opportunity to join the FA England Women’s Talent Pathway and look forward to monitoring her progression.”
Talent Inclusion Programme Manager, Nicol Meredith said “ AFC Bournemouth have really supported the programme this year, ensuring inclusive and accessible opportunities are made available to every girl who possesses potential.
It’s been a season to celebrate success, in total 123 talented girls were referred to the programme, with 19% now being monitored by the FA, these are girls who are extremely talented and those who could well be on their way in putting on that England shirt one day.
The CCOs have that connection with communities where they engage low social economic groups and under-represented communities , as a result 53% of participants referred were from deprived communities and 16% from ethnically diverse background, this just shows the reach our network has, to provide opportunities that are inclusive and accessible.
We are really proud to say 100% of all referred players are from community environments, which shows TALENT IS EVERYWHERE, OPPORTUNITY ISNT!”
To find out more about the Talent Inclusion Programme visit https://www.efltrust.com/talent-inclusion.
