
A new female football academy is set to launch, offering students a pathway into the sport.
Askham Bryan College will open the academy in partnership with Harrogate Town, building on the success of its existing male football programme and offering high-level training alongside Level 1, 2, or 3 Sport qualifications for students enrolling from September 2027.
The male football pathway, launched in September, has already reached the second round of the NFYL Cup and secured second place in the league.
Evan Woodworth, academy business development manager at Askham Bryan College, said: "The success of our men's football programme has created a proven pathway for aspiring players, demonstrating what can be achieved through high-quality coaching, competitive fixtures and strong progression opportunities.
"The female pathway will be equally as important, ensuring talented female players have access to the same level of support, development and opportunity to reach their potential."
The new programme will provide expert coaching, regular fixtures, and a supportive environment to help players develop their skills and gain recognised qualifications.
Josh Falkingham, Harrogate Town's director of youth football, said: "This is a super exciting development and a really big moment for our girls’ pathway.
"It’s something I’ve wanted to implement in my role for a while, so to now be able to take this step alongside Askham Bryan College is fantastic."
A trial event for prospective students will take place at Askham Bryan College on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 10am to 1pm.
Attendees will have the chance to meet the coaching team, learn more about the partnership, and showcase their ability on the pitch.