BMet alumni is back to coach with new ladies football academy
Aston Villa Ladies defender Jade Richards has been appointed as the manager of the newly formed Girls Football Academy.
The Academy launches in line with the new academic year in September and will offer girls aged 16-18 the chance to combine studying at BMet alongside playing in the National Football Youth League for Aston Villa.
And with the course also forming part of Aston Villa Ladies’ new player pathway, BMet alumna Richards is the perfect candidate for the role having first represented the club at under-10s before she progressed into the first team at 18-year-old.
“To have one of our alumni return to lead, inspire and motivate the next generation of athletes makes this partnership with Aston Villa Ladies all the more special for us,” said Jason Allen, Department Manager at BMet. “Jade is sure to be an excellent coach as she will be armed with an understanding of the hard work, perseverance and rewards of playing football at this high level. She’s a welcome addition to our sports staff team.”
Jade said: “I’m thrilled to have been chosen for the role as the club takes this exciting step forward and continues to commit to the development of home grown players for the first team.
“I feel like I can relate to the programme and share my experiences, as I have studied at BMet, played for the college team and been selected for England colleges.
“Having represented Aston Villa for the past seven years, I’m in a great position to pass on my experience and help a new generation of girls as they seek a career in the game.”
Richards, who currently holds an FA Level Two coaching badge and is working towards her UEFA B Licence, has been heavily involved in nurturing the club’s next generation of footballers through her work as manager of the girls under-12 side and as centre manager of the Regional Talent Club.
The next trial for the Academy will take place at Aston Villa’s Recon Training Complex on 31 May from 4-6pm, and it will consist of a one-hour football session followed by an informative presentation.
If you’d like more information about the course or are interested in attending a trial, please email: pete.ezard@avfc.co.uk
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