Robins to launch girls academy (From Your Local Guardian)

Robins to launch girls academy

10:44am Friday 10th February 2012 in Carshalton Athletic

Carshalton Athletic are to start a girls football academy in partnership with Stanley Park High School this September.

The academy will be headed by ex-professional player and experienced non-league manager Ian Hazel and will allow promising female footballers between the ages of 16 and 18 to continue their studies while pursuing their sporting aspirations.

"Our doors will be open to anyone interested in joining," said Hazel.

"We will be housed in a state of the art building with facilities and equipment that meet the demands of both learning and football in the 21st century."

The Robins boast the largest number of female teams, players and members in the county with five girls teams, one ladies team and many young girls taking part in weekly soccer schools.

"Ladies football is a priority at Carshalton,"added owner Paul Dipre.

"We have made huge investments in both teams and facilities so that we may offer ladies the same benefits as their male counterparts.

"We are always looking for good people to get involved in any way they can – playing, coaching, organising, administering – so if you want to get involved please get in touch."

Carshalton will also host a special Ladies Day next month aimed at encouraging women of all ages to take an active part in playing and supporting local football.

The event will be on Saturday, February 18, when the men’s first team host Concord Rangers in the Ryman League.

Ladies and girls will gain free entry to the game and receive a free club bobble hat.

There will be FA representatives and both managers and players from the ladies section of the club, who will provide more information on how girls can get involved.

"Carshalton and Paul Dipre have been so supportive in helping us establish a Ladies first team here since the summer," said Ladies manager Jefferson Curtis.

"The aim of the event is to highlight and celebrate women in our game, from players and club staff through to the mums that drive their children to training each week.

"The first team has put in some great performances so far and are in contention for the London and South East League Division One championship.

"We’ve taken four points from Brentford this season and also beat Tottenham Hotspur Reserves 5-0 in October."