Words Ben Edwards | Pictures Maisy Green

Sunday June 28th marked the conclusion of Altrincham FC Women's first month of
preparations for the 2026/27 season, bringing to an end our second-ever Open
Training and Trials programme.

Across all four Sundays in June, prospective players experienced a professionally
delivered programme designed to showcase the standards, culture and expectations
of the club, while giving our coaching staff the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive assessment of every player.

Our annual June trials are designed to maximise accessibility, allowing players from across the region to experience the Altrincham FC Women environment. Throughout the month, attendees met not only the coaching team but also members of our media, medical and wider support staff, gaining a full insight into the club both on and off the pitch.

Training sessions covered a wide range of technical and tactical topics, including 1v1
practices, wave practices, possession, attacking, defending and finishing sessions,
conditioned games and small-sided games.

The month concluded with full 11v11 fixtures against our First Team and Elite U18 squad, providing players with the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in realistic match environments.

Early sessions focused heavily on coachability, communication, decision-making and
response to detailed coaching, before gradually increasing match exposure as the month progressed to ensure every player received a thorough evaluation across the four-corner development model.

The 2026 programme proved to be our biggest and most successful trials month to date, recording an incredible 178 player attendances—almost doubling last year's total of 95.

Across the month we delivered:

• 178 player attendances
• 8 hours of football activity
• 12 technical coaching topics and stations
• 12 staff members involved in delivery
• 4 specialist goalkeeper workshop

Every player received detailed assessment from our coaching team, with personalised feedback provided to those not offered a place within the programme. As preparations continue for the new season, our squads are taking shape.

The First Team currently has 22 players signed, with one new signing confirmed and two offers pending. Our Elite U18 squad has also seen significant growth, with 22 players signed, including 10 new additions and five promotions from the Altrincham FC Juniors pathway.

In the goalkeeping department, three goalkeepers have signed, with one further promotion from the Juniors pathway and one loan offer pending.

The process of announcing new signings will begin shortly. We would like to thank every player and staff member who attended throughout June for their commitment, professionalism and enthusiasm.

We look forward to welcoming our successful players into the club as preparations for the 2026/27 season continue.