With a thriving Academy set-up and a clear pathway into the First Team Squad, the Peterborough United Women are set to launch a ‘transition group’ to replace the current Under 23 set-up ahead of the 2025-2026 campaign.
A host of players have progressed into Jake Poole’s first-team squad over the last 18 months and to help support the development of youngster at the top end of the Academy, a new Under 18s team has also been created, with the team set to compete in the JPL Warriors League.
Posh Women General Manager Sam Winch explained the rationale behind the decision. “I can confirm that our Peterborough United Women Under 23s will not be entering the FA Women’s National League Reserve Midlands Division for next season. Our Under 23’s have been competing in this division for the last two seasons, but it is clear to see that this competition is no longer the suitable provision for this particular group.
“We have a very strong academy that is continuing to grow and this season alone, we had five graduates from our academy that progressed into our women’s first team. Therefore, creating a transition group for players that are within touching distance of Tier 4 football, will allow us to provide an improved provision.
“We have now completed the process of employing Michael Allsebrook to head up our transition group and Michael will be working with these players on an individual basis throughout the season. All players within our transition group will be training and signed on as a first team player for the season ahead, but we recognise game time is of the utmost importance for our players development, therefore giving our players the option of going out on loan should this be needed, is something we have discussed with them.
“I would like to say thank you to all the players that will be leaving us this season. As a club, we will support these players with the next steps in their journey, through exit trials, personalised IDP’s and reaching out to suitable clubs in the area.”
Chloe Brown, Posh Girls Academy Manager, added: “We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the Under 23 squad this season including the players, staff and the fans that have been so supportive. A lot of hard work has gone into this season and we hope to build on it going forwards with the introduction of our transition group.
“The transition group will be made up of players who have come through the Posh Women's Academy and give them the opportunity to continue to grow and develop in the senior game, whilst also playing matches and being supported by our Women's first team. The players will also benefit from tailored feedback and observations from our transition coach and individualised support.
“We are now able to support more players at the Under 17 and Under 18 age groups with the creation of our Women's Under 18 squad who will play in the JPL Warriors League for the 2025/26 season.”
Expressions of interest to join the new Under 18 team, and to progress into the transition group, are open now at Peterborough United Girls Academy Expression of Interest 25/26