WSL Academy (ages 16 - 21): ‘Continuing to compete and learning to win’

Our WSL Academy is a competitive environment in which players continue to develop. Pride, passion and purpose are the principles that create the foundation of this phase. The ambitious environment continues to promote a holistic approach to player development, and is the final building block after the Youth Development Phase, with the primary objective of preparing players for first team football. The key aims of this phase are to:

Understand technical and tactical principles (in-possession, out-of-possession and transition principles) and put them into practice
Maximise athletic physical development
Introduce game models (understanding different systems)
Provide additional support (medical, psychology, lifestyle, nutrition, analysis, education and careers)
Deliver a full-time elite training programme (10 -15hrs)
Provide a dual-careers programme

‘Inspire, Prepare, Excel’

The approach for all phases in the Aston Villa F.C talent pathway is guided by a spiral syllabus which revisits learning continuously, allowing players to be positively ‘stretched’ to reach and exceed their potential.

Read more about our WSL Academy

Girls & Womens Pathway

Our Pathway

Our Talent Pathway

Further Information

Pride Partnership Programme

Regional Talent Club

WSL Academy

Education & Dual Careers