West Ham United Ladies have teamed up with the University of East London (UEL) to launch a programme which offers a pathway for female footballers to higher education.
As part of the link-up, players at West Ham United Ladies will be offered sports scholarships at UEL, giving them the opportunity to represent the University’s team as they develop with the Hammers, alongside their education.
Myles Smith, who has been appointed as the Ladies’ Development Squad Manager, will combine his role with that of coach of the UEL side in the partnership, and he can't wait to get going.
“I’m delighted to be a part of this project," he said. "The ambition from everybody involved has been apparent from day one and I’m extremely excited to have been given the opportunity to embark on this journey.
"The positive steps forward that have already been made are outstanding, and I’m confident, as a team, we can continue to do great things for West Ham Ladies."
Smith takes up the role of Ladies Development Squad Manager having worked closely with manager Greg de Caryns in the Sports Science department at the Hammers Academy.
He gained further experience in coaching and management as Lead Football Coach at Notre Dame Sixth Form College in Leeds, and will also coach in the Ladies’ Junior Academy.
The partnership between the Ladies and UEL will allow the players to experience elite football and university life with the full support of staff from both sides.
For those players wishing to apply for scholarship support and a place on the West Ham United Ladies football programme, please visit http://www.uel.ac.uk/sport/highperformance/