“A huge step forward” | Hardy on the Women's Under-21s' season so far

Women’s Academy Technical Coaching Manager Nick Hardy reflected on a positive six months for the Under-21s side ahead of their return to action in the Professional Game Academy League.

Having finished sixth in the PGA League South Division in the first phase of the competition, the Under-21s were placed into Division Two for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.

With four games played so far in the second phase, Nick’s side are currently placed sixth in the table, picking up a victory over Birmingham City last month.

When asked about the development in the first half of the season in the PGA League, Nick has been pleased with the progress seen from the players and coaching staff to rise the standards in the academy set-up.

“It was a really positive first half of the campaign,” Nick told us. “We have seen a huge step forward in the development of the players and the overall programme, so it’s been a really pleasing period.

“There’s still a lot more hard work to come and still a long way to go to challenge at the top of the PGA pyramid like we want to, but there’s is no doubt we are constantly improving on and off the pitch.

“The growth of the players technical, tactically and physically has been superb and it’s a real credit to the girls, their efforts and the wider team that make it all possible on a daily basis.

“We’re all looking forward to the next half of the season and we’re excited to continue the hard work and be the best we can be in 2025.”

The progress has been seen in the First Team environment with two Under-21s player involved in the senior set-up so far this season.

Jhanaie Pierre was named in the Barclays Women’s Super League matchday squad for Chelsea for the first time in October before defender Zara Bailey made her senior debut in our 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Women’s League Cup last month.

Watch Zara's interview following her senior debut

“The opportunities for Jhanaie and Zara to be in and around the first team is a fantastic example of where we are currently with the programme and continue to bridge that gap between ourselves and the first team,” Nick added.

“Those are fantastic examples of what can happen with commitment and hard work from the girls and their wider support network as well, from their family and friends.

“For us, it’s a hugely pleasing return in such a short period of time since they both became first years. This is what we want to be able to do and achieve, having as many of the girls involved and just to bridge that gap.”

The Under-21s return to action for the first time in the new year on Wednesday 15 January as they face Leicester City in the PGA League.