NewsLiverpool FC Women awarded Category 1 Professional Game Academy licence

The PGA is the new pathway to identify and develop the very best female talent and create the next generation of LFC Women players.

It will concentrate on young players aged 14 to 20, with the club operating two key teams at U16 and U21 level.

The FA has today awarded the first 20 licences at Category 1 and Category 2 level between teams in the Barclays Women’s Super League and the Barclays Women’s Championship.

PGAs will replace 16 current academies and regional talent centres, providing high-quality training with a dual-career focus, while making the game more diverse, accessible and inclusive.

The hope is to create a pathway for young female players that allows them to emerge ready to compete at the highest levels of the domestic and international game.

Leandra Little, LFC Women academy lead, said: “I am delighted our application to become a Category 1 PGA was successful.

“This will enable us to enhance the provision within the academy, creating player-development opportunities within a high-quality environment.

“Ultimately, it’s about helping each individual to fulfil their full potential and supporting the next generation of LFC Women first-team players.”

The LFC Women PGA will launch next season, with all 24 WSL and Championship sides required to deliver an academy by the 2025-26 campaign.

The PGAs will see a significant increase in investment into the game through both the FA and club contributions.

Kay Cossington, the FA’s women’s technical director, said: “Our PGAs form a key stage of our player pathway.

“It is at this point that the player becomes ready for top-level football but also develops them as a person so they’re prepared for life in and out of the game.

“We are grateful to the 20 clubs across the country who have recognised their importance and shown a real commitment to player progression and development.”

LFC Women will be working in close partnership with LFC Foundation, who will lead on the lower phase of the player pathway, supporting the club’s philosophy and ambition.

This exciting transformation of the player pathway will provide talented individuals within the local area the best opportunity to fulfil their full potential.