It’s been a positive start to 2024 for the Girl’s Academy with new additions to staff, another senior debut for an academy player in the first team and two quarter-final wins for the U23s; whilst we also take a look back at some of the experiences our academy sides had in January!
U23 Cup Journey
The Posh Women U23s are through to two semi-finals having won both their quarter-finals in January. A brace from Ellie Curson was enough to beat Thrapston Town Ladies 2-1 in the Northants County Cup.
The U23s left it late to claim their semi-final place in the FA Women’s National League Reserves Plate. They came from behind against Hull City Reserves with Taya Smith equalising in injury time to take the game to penalties. Posh won the shootout 4-1 with Alicia Podd, Edyn Osker, Jess Abrantes and Tillie Sands all converting their efforts from the spot.
Next month, Posh will face Posh Women in the semi-finals of the Northants FA Cup whilst they travel to the capital to face Queen’s Park Rangers Reserves in the League Plate Semi-Finals.
Senior Debut
Attacking Midfielder Rebecca Mears made her senior debut for the Posh Women in the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands against Sporting Khalsa, coming on as a substitute in the 60th minute.
Although the Posh Women lost 5-0, it was a successful day for the Girls’ Academy as three players from the matchday squad had been a part of the academy; with Frankie Pim and Poppie Brown also making appearances.
Girl’s Fixtures
Our younger team’s returned to training at the start of January. The U16s completed fitness tests on their return. January’s results included a 3-1 win for our U14s against Bedford. Our U10s and U12s also had matches this month.
Psychology Workshops
Psychologist Aaron Shaheed began player meetings and parent workshops with the Girl’s Academy players this month. The workshops covered the ups and downs of a footballers’ journey. Aaron also spoke about the importance of finding the ‘why’ when players have an issue, and looked at how every player is different.
Staffing Updates
There have been several additions to the Girl’s Academy set-up this month. Ben Green left his role as U14 coach, and was replaced by Tom Fletcher who steps up from his role as U14 mentee coach.
Nathan Reed has been appointed U23s matchday co-ordinator whilst Adam Taylor comes in as U16 coach. Josh Pike has left his role as Posh Women U23s coach with the academy in the process of recruiting a replacement.
By Lauren Shiels
- Photo Credit: Darren Wiles