Robins Pathway secure Category 1 status.

As the start of the 2023/24 season approaches, the Robins Pathway is undergoing exciting changes following its most successful season to date.

The club is implementing a re-structure of the Academy systems following the announcement of the FA’s new pathway. These changes will see the club’s Academy workforce team grow to support the development of the Professional-Game Academy (PGA) and Emerging Talent Centre (ETC) programs.

This aims to increase the quality of players that meet the demands of the professional game and further grow the progression of young talent making the step into the Bristol City Women's first team.

After a successful application process to ensure the club meets the licensing criteria, one of the most significant changes is the introduction of Bristol City's Category 1 PGA, which will now feature an Under-16s and an Under-21s side.

These teams will compete in the Pro-Game Academy Division, in addition to a club-funded Under-13s team.

The PGA will be a crucial part of the Robins Pathway, and the club is investing heavily in this new structure to ensure that it delivers the best possible outcomes for our young players, with a focus on developing talent that meets the demands of the professional game.

In addition to the PGA, the club will also run an ETC which will provide support to players registered with local grassroots teams, delivering an additional 1.5 hours of training per week over a 30-week period.

The program will also include a minimum of six fixtures and a Festival of Football, providing a unique opportunity for young players to showcase their skills and develop their game further.

James Thomas, Women and Girls Youth Development Manager, said: “I’m delighted to be granted a Category 1 PGA licence and extremely proud of the work that has gone on behind the scenes at the club to continually develop our youth pathway.

“Securing this licence is a result of that work and the club’s dedication to youth development.

“The changes within the FA’s Elite Women’s Pathway and the club’s unwavering commitment to its academy program will allow us to build upon our history of successes and ensure our productivity of high performing players continue long into the future.”

Bristol City Women Head Coach Lauren Smith added: “We’re so pleased as a club for the opportunity to continue to work with the FA to help develop our future players. Congratulations to the staff and players in our Youth Pathway for their commitment and hard work. I look forward to seeing our future stars in red and white!”

These changes are exciting news for Bristol City Women's academy and highlight the club's commitment to developing young talent and providing opportunities to progress to the highest level.Further information on the changes as well as information on player trials for the upcoming season will follow.