Words Brian Flynn Pictures Jonathan Moore/Karl Brooks

Altrincham FC Women are proud to announce the formation of a brand-new Elite under-18/reserve team for the 2025/26 season - a significant milestone in the development of a complete and inclusive female football pathway from grassroots through to the first team.

This exciting new addition strengthens the longstanding bond between Altrincham FC Juniors and the Women’s section, offering clear and structured opportunities for young players to continue their football journey within the club. It also ensures that players of all abilities have access to a progressive and supportive environment that nurtures both personal and athletic growth.

Pathway with Purpose

The Elite under-18/Reserve team will serve as a vital stepping stone between youth football and the senior game, providing high-quality coaching, performance-focused training, and competitive match experience. The programme is designed to prepare players technically, tactically, physically, and mentally for the demands of women’s football - all within the framework of Altrincham Football Club’s values and vision.

By investing in this next phase of our player development model, Altrincham FC Women are demonstrating a genuine, club-wide commitment to growing and sustaining female talent.

Manager’s Vision for Development

Newly appointed women’s first team manager for the 2025/26 season, Daryll Abrahams, expressed his excitement for the future:

“With Altrincham FC Juniors being one of the largest and most successful grassroots setups in the North-West, it’s vital we provide a clear and meaningful progression route. The Elite U18/Reserve Team creates that much-needed bridge for players to continue their development and prepare for the demands of senior football.

“But it’s more than just football. We’re developing well-rounded individuals - helping players grow in confidence, improve physically and mentally, and gain life skills they’ll take with them far beyond the pitch.

“Our ambition is for girls joining at 6, 7 or 8 years old to be inspired by the players in our Reserve and First Teams - to look up to as role models, support the club, and one day wear the shirt themselves.

“I’ve always been passionate about making a difference. I want to see young players - whether from Altrincham FC Juniors or other local clubs - come into our environment and leave as better people as well as better players. We want them to develop not just their game, but their mindset, resilience, and social skills.”

Supporting Progression with Experience

With a successful 2024/25 season behind them, culminating in Altrincham FC Women winning their first trophy, the Cheshire Women’s and Youth League, Challenge Cup, on Sunday and a strong, positive culture at the club, the women’s first team continues to go from strength to strength. The introduction of the Elite under-18/reserve team allows that momentum to extend into the next generation.

To further support the youth development model, the club is also planning to recruit a small number of experienced players who can offer valuable leadership, guidance, and quality to complement the promising young talent coming through.

This combination of youth and experience will help raise standards, ensure continuity across squads, and further embed Altrincham FC Women’s identity across all age groups.

Open Evening | First Team/Under-18s | 2025/26

We are hosting an open evening/recruitment event on Thursday June 5th for current, interested and new players to learn about our upcoming plans, meet staff and take part in some team activities.

IF YOU CAN NOT ATTEND, please complete the form here and we will either host a similar event via an online call OR we will send out the presentation with a pre-recorded video.

Event Thursday June 5th | 7pm-8:30pm

Address  Sponsors' Lounge, The J. Davidson Stadium (WA15 8AP)

Contact altrinchamfcwomen@mail.com

What to Expect?

• Meet the coaching team, support staff & current players
• Discover our club vision and ambitions
• Learn about the newly launched Elite u18/Reserve Team
• Explore the First Team pathway
• Take part in a interactive team-building session
• Connect with other driven players and staff

Whether you're a driven under-16 player looking to step up, a returning footballer searching for the right fit, or a senior player eager to inspire the next generation - this is your opportunity to be part of something special.