UDA to Launch Women’s Program in 2023 at the University of Gloucestershire

Football Academy January 16, 2022

UDA to Launch Women's Program in 2023

UDA is to offer opportunities for aspiring women players to play year round, earn a degree of their choice and play within a professional academy at the University of Gloucestershire. The program is set to launch, September 2023.

Executive Director, Dr. Brian Haley stated, “we have been planning the launch of a women's program at Gloucestershire for some time. We have had families and players ask why don't we provide the same opportunities for women as we have done for men in the UK. We heard their call and have now developed a robust and strategic recruitment structure in North America in order to recruit women looking for this type of opportunity.”

Haley continued, “What makes this opportunity different for women is our connection to the women’s professional game through Gloucester City AFC. 
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The UDA women will be able to play within the Gloucester City AFC structure utilizing their pathways for player and game development. In addition, the UDA academy coaches and staff will bring their own expertise to help the development of the students. Of course, as UDA mission is ‘Changing Lives Through Education’ we recognize, as we do with all our programs, the focus is on the academic success and graduation of students beyond the opportunity to train and play year round in our professional academy”

For women seeking entry into the academy, recruitment begins in spring and summer 2022. Three spring webinars for the women's program will be held March 20th, April 24th and May 22nd for students and families wishing to learn more about the program. These webinars are a great opportunity to get to know more about UDA, the University of Gloucestershire academic opportunities, the benefits of a UK degree and more.

The recruitment team led by Director of Recruitment Seamus Reilly are planning a women’s Summer Tour to the University of Gloucestershire for prospective players and families from July 17th- 29th. The Summer Tour is open to students graduating in 2023 and 2024 with a cap of 18 players for the tour. 

We will also be hosting several recruitment events across the country where students and players can train with UDA coaches, learn more about the university and ask any questions they may have. Catch us in Charlotte in March, as well as San Antonio and Columbus in June. Please refer back to our recruitment page for more details about the camps. 

Interested in taking this next step towards a once in a lifetime opportunity? Please contact Director of Recruitment Seamus Reilly for more information about the program and the recruitment process.

Details of the women’s summer tour can be found at this link: Women's Summer Tour.