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Aston Villa Ladies defender Jade Richards is to become the lead coach 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 opportunity 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 U10s before she progressed into the first team aaged just 17.

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 homegrown 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 eight 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.”

Jade, 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 U12 side and as centre manager of the Regional Talent Club.

Amber Wildgust, General Manager of Aston Villa Ladies, believes the appointment is a key component in ensuring the new Girls Football Academy will be a success.

She said: “Since the FA’s removal of the National Development League, creating an academy that combines the necessary standard of football alongside a flexible education was our priority, and Jade will be the driving force behind the success of the new course.

“The Academy will be a professionally run programme that offers players national league and cup competition alongside a first-rate education.”

Players will have the flexibility to study any A Levels, BTEC or vocational course on offer at BMet.

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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