The Programme

The Female Football Academy Programme at SGS Sport offers athletes aged 16-21 an extensive opportunity to advance their athletic journey while pursuing their academic studies at SGS College. The partnership between Bristol City Women's Football Club and SGS Sport offers two distinct pathways for female footballers to advance their athletic journey, with the possibility of progression between squads throughout the year.

Players selected after multiple talent identification days for SGS College & Bristol City WFC U21 programme, have the opportunity to combine their academic studies at SGS College with on-pitch training under the guidance of Bristol City WFC coaches. Meanwhile, within the SGS Sport Female Football Academy, learners benefit from up to 15 hours of contact time per week, including on-field training sessions, gym-based Strength and Conditioning sessions, and broader athlete development sessions covering Psychology, Nutrition, and Brand Awareness throughout the season. Additionally, all learners receive three individual feedback sessions annually with their coaches, focusing on academic development, personal needs, and areas for improvement.

The SGS Sport program also offers an extensive Sport Science and Medical package focused on injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. This includes strength and conditioning sessions, sports rehab, sports massage, pitch-side first aid and matchday emergency cover at the SGS WISE Campus. Each academy benefits from two strength and conditioning sessions per week, delivered by our coaches across our two performance gyms. Additionally, a dedicated team of sports rehab professionals is available to support athletes in case of injury. We also collaborate closely with the academic sports department to provide work experience opportunities for students, including sports massage services for sports academy learners. SGS College offers a dedicated ice bath facility for student use. Furthermore, there are various placement opportunities for university-level students in sports psychology, performance analysis, and strength and conditioning. For the 2024-25 academic year, SGS College, in collaboration with the University of Gloucestershire, is launching a paid MSc studentship opportunity. These initiatives aim to develop SGS College into a centre of sporting excellence and research.

The Female Football program commences in July each year with an extensive pre-season period, integrating on-field sessions with team-building activities. The main program runs from September to May, with academic timetables structured to accommodate access to Sports Academy offerings. Training sessions for SGS Female Football take place on Monday afternoons, Tuesday mornings and Friday mornings, comprising a mix of individual, squad, and unit-based sessions with games played on Wednesdays. Conversely, the BCWFC U21 program trains on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday evenings, with games played on Wednesdays.

Competitive fixtures for the SGS Sport Female Football program occur on Wednesday afternoons, where they contend in the AoC Category 1 League against top Colleges nationwide. Simultaneously, the Bristol City Women's FC U21s compete in the WSL Academies League.

Academic Qualifications

To participate in the Female Football programme at SGS College, all learners must be enrolled in a full-time academic qualification, such as Vocational qualifications or A Levels. Many learners choose to study disciplines like Sport, Sports Media, or Media at the WISE Campus, while others pursue A Levels or Business Studies at the Filton Campus. For those studying at the Filton Campus, a shuttle bus service is available to facilitate transportation to and from the WISE Campus.

Participation in the Sports Academy provision is contingent upon adherence to the SGS Sport Code of Conduct. This code outlines expectations regarding behaviour, attendance (maintained at 92% across all academic qualifications), timely submission of work, and adherence to sporting conduct standards. Compliance with these requirements ensures learners' eligibility for involvement in the Sports Academy program.

Partners and Progression

SGS Sport has maintained a longstanding partnership with Bristol City Women's Football Club, a collaboration that traces back to 2005 when Bristol Rovers Women’s FC transitioned to Bristol Academy WFC under a new agreement with South Gloucestershire and Stroud College. By 2011, Bristol Academy WFC Limited was established, securing a license to compete in the inaugural FA Women’s Super League, thus elevating the team to semi-professional status.

During this period of evolution, Bristol Academy achieved notable successes, reaching two FA Cup finals (2011 and 2013) and participating in the prestigious Champions League tournaments (2011 and 2014). In 2013, they secured a commendable runner-up position in the WSL1 league. However, following relegation to WSL2 at the end of the 2015 season, the FA Women’s Super League management committee approved a name change from Bristol Academy Women’s Football Club to Bristol City Women’s Football Club.

The ongoing partnership between Bristol City Women's FC and SGS College is exemplified by the BCWFC Professional Game Academy, which trains at the SGS WISE Campus. The BCWFC Under 21 squad conducts their training and matches at SGS College. Over the years, this collaboration has seen numerous SGS College alumni transition to playing for Bristol City Women's FC, including notable players such as Lauren Hemp, Katie Robinson, Brooke Aspin, Naomi Layzell, and Mari Ward.

In recent years, SGS Sport has forged a partnership with Olveston United Women, enabling them to train and compete at the SGS WISE Campus. This collaboration provides an invaluable opportunity for learners in the SGS Female Football academy to gain experience playing senior-level football, thereby enriching their overall SGS Sports academy experience.

Our Alumni and Academy Success

Throughout the years, the SGS Female Football programme, in collaboration with Bristol City Women's FC, has nurtured numerous talented athletes who have achieved remarkable success in their football careers. Many of these athletes have secured positions with esteemed clubs such as Bristol City, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Charlton Athletic, and Lewes Women. Additionally, several learners have proudly represented their countries at youth levels, predominantly with England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Moreover, a number of learners are given the opportunity to play for England Colleges, participating in a range of fixtures and international tours.

Among our distinguished alumni are Lauren Hemp and Katie Robinson, both of whom have proudly represented the England Lionesses. Hemp notably clinched victory in the 2022 European Championships and 2023 Finalissima, while also playing in the 2023 Women's World Cup Final. Furthermore, students Jesse Wooley, Jasmine Bull, Maddi Wilde, Brooke Aspin, and Mari Ward have made significant strides by balancing training and playing commitments with the BCWFC First Team in the Women's Super League, all while pursuing a sport qualification at the College. Brooke's dedication and talent even earned her a move to Chelsea FC in 2023 after a successful tenure with Bristol City Women's FC.

The accomplishments of our alumni serve as a testament to our unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and preparing them for success at the highest echelons of the sport.

"My time at SGS College allowed me to balance my Football and Academic studies giving me the platform to go and represent England in the Women's World Cup Final and to become a European Champion in 2022." — Lauren Hemp

"Studying at SGS allowed me to combine studying Sports Coaching alongside starting my professional career in the Women's Super League. The academic flexibility and support allowed me to play at the highest level of Women's Football in the country alongside supporting me with my International career to date." — Brooke Aspin