By Callum Patterson
August has seen the start of the new look National Academy Programme with our new look U16 and U18 sides beginning their NAP league campaigns.
Keiron McAneny, who was Head Coach of the U19s over the past couple of seasons (combined with his role as part of the first team coaching staff) will continue to lead the new look 18s side.
On the build up to the new season he said: "Glasgow City NAP 18s have worked tirelessly during pre season in preparation for the new and exciting NAP League.
All the girls and coaches are delighted to be participating in the league and look forward to the many exciting games that the players get to test themselves within across the nation.
With a key focus for all 18s players on technical, tactical and physical elements of their game, all players will be looking to individually and collectively progress in their development throughout the season."
McAneny talks about the importance of the pathway to first team:
"As previous young players having progressed from this squad and recently making the permanent step to Glasgow City First Team, this gives all the 18s players the opportunity to progress through the academy pathway and continue to inspire to working towards the first team."
Squad List (not in photo order)
Rachel Wright, Keira Ritchie, Ava Easdon, Kayleigh MacKay, Lisa Forrest, Erin Ward, Sophia Martin, Ellie McInnes, Rosa McQueen, Grace Carson, Amy Wearing, Kirsty Jackson, Rachel Murchie, Katie Gallagher, Abbie Wright, Kara Scalley, Hannah Newman, Brooke Shields, Madilyn Wilson, Hannah Calvert, Erin Hanlon, Melissa Reid.
Neil Hanvey leads the U16s NAP side for 2022/23 and is excited about the season ahead:
"The NAP 16s this season oozes young talented players who are all looking to progress to the next level in their footballing pathways. This year for the some of our squad is the first taste of performance football and so far the girls are thriving. For the girls and the coaches being part of such a successful club like Glasgow City is an absolute honour and we look to do our upmost as a team this season to be the best we can possibly be."
On his squad:
"We have had some new additions to the squad for this season, all who have made the transition into the team with ease.
With many challenging games ahead, the players are looking forward to testing themselves against the best teams throughout the country."
Squad List (not in photo order):
Jenna Chalmers, Rhianon Mulheron, Abigail Paton, Bayley Hanvey, Erin Snell, Jodie Carrigan, Lucy Turner, Roma Kelly, Stella Keeney, Hannah Gray, Cara Gray, Becky Downs, Aimee Murray, Grace Robertson, Miriam MacLean, Katelyn Brown, Evie Warnock, Chloe McNaught.
Academy Manager Sarah Crilly on the excitement of the new NAP era:
"I am really looking forward to the NAP season this year, the hard work that has gone in behind the scenes by the development group and SWF is now giving the best young players in the country the chance to showcase their abilities in a high performance environment.
It has been great to see how many of our girls have adapted to the higher and more competitive training demands. We have a key focus on different elements of the game for this season which will be continually monitored by our coaches throughout the season. The girls will set both individual and collect goals with the aim to reach these by the end of the season.
It is an exciting time to be involved in the Glasgow City Academy and the NAP and I wish both of our teams the very best for the season. I look forward to watching them progress and develop as players on and off the park throughout the season."