City Women’s future stars continue to progress through the RTC.

The club’s RTC is based out of the same SGS College WISE Campus site as the first team and WSL Academy providing the brightest young footballing talents in the area a clear pathway to professional football.

The programme is compiled of four ages groups – Under-10s, Under-12s, Under-14s and Under-16s – with 57 talented youngsters making up the playing pools.

First Team Assistant Manager, Marco Chiavetta combines his role as Youth Technical Director to oversee the RTC and ensure the club are creating a conducive learning environment for the young players.

“For a club that places importance of producing young talent, it’s imperative that in the RTC age groups we create an environment and experiences that the players want to continue to be involved in, said Chiavetta.

“We need to make sure that we provide the right environment for the U10s, U12s, U14s and U16s, because they’re at a stage in their development where they’re learning their fundamental skills and understanding of the game, which will set them on their way for the rest of their footballing career.

“If we can create the right environment that allows the players to learn and develop at the younger age groups, then we’re more likely that they will want to stay with the club.

“As they then progress through the age groups and hopefully into our academy, and on to the first team we have had 10 years with that individual to develop them.

“However, if we don’t provide the right environment at any particular stage in their RTC journey then that player will lose a certain level of development.”

Out of the current crop of RTC talent, 8 players are currently on the England player pathway and have either represented their country at age range international or have trained in the international set-up.

“As Assistant Manager and Youth Technical Director at the club, it creates continuity throughout the pathway in how we want to develop our younger talents. I can speak with RTC coaches and relay information, processes and the skills we want our younger players to have at the start of their playing journey with us.

“It’s really important that the philosophies and processes at the club are translated through the age groups and diluted according to their age, so everyone is learning the same curriculum but in different depth, which will allow for a seamless transition as they progress through the age groups.”

Over the years, a number of players have progressed through the player pathway at Bristol City and represented the club at first team level providing inspiration to the youngsters coming through the system.

“It’s been fantastic to see a large number of younger players that have progressed through the pathway have a chance at first team level over the last couple of years, whether that be signing their first professional deal or getting training time with the group.

“Young players getting their chance at the very top level provides inspiration for the next generation that it could well be them one day.”

Bristol City Women are seeking level 1 and level 2 coaching volunteers to work with our talented Under-10 and Under-12 age groups. If you're interested in the roles and want more information, please contact marco.chiavetta@bristolcitywfc.co.uk.