England footballer Jill Scott in new partnership with Hopwood Hall College

England and Manchester City women's footballer Jill Scott has formed a new partnership with Hopwood Hall College.

The former FA International Player of the Year will run Level Two and Level Three Ladies Football Academy courses with Hopwood Hall, beginning in September.

Top of the course agenda will be to provide class leading development for young women who want to work in junior managerial positions in the sport industry, become sports coaches, or who wish to progress into higher education in a degree related to sport.

Jill hopes the course will offer young women in the Greater Manchester area a springboard to move into the industry on a profession level.

After recently being recalled for England, the midfielder visited the college to sign the partnership, tour the Middleton campus facilities and meet young women interested in her course.

The recent boom in interest women's football has seen is something Jill is keen to make the most of, she said: “Interest in women’s football has seen a rapid increase since the 2015 World Cup, I'm really eager to capitalise on this and hopefully build something special with the college.

“The academic and sporting facilities students have at their disposal are excellent. On my tour I met college staff and saw the history of successful athletes that have come through Hopwood Hall, like Anthony Crolla and Craig Dawson, which is really encouraging going forward. I’m really excited by the potential for bringing through local talent.

“I find the biggest hurdle for young women wanting to work in the football industry is that initial process of getting involved. I hope the academy course gives the talent around this area that pathway into the sport professionally.”

The college is hoping this will provide a better base for young women to enter the world of football professionally, compared to other existing channels across Greater Manchester.

Julia Heap, Hopwood Hall assistant principal, said: “Everyone involved at the college is really excited to get the Jill Scott Academy Course under way.

“The girls really look up to someone of her stature in the sport; having Jill involved will give them the extra belief in their skills and potential. We’ve already seen a lot of interest.”