There are a number of consistent challenges that women and girls in football face, from no opportunities to feeling like there’s no clear place for them in the sport. Too often opportunities narrow as players grow older and pathways become unclear or inaccessible.  At Atlético London, we intend to change this, building a structure that makes progression clear, supportive and achievable at every stage.

PATHWAY & PLAYER JOURNEYS

Our pathway is structured into three key parts, guiding players from their first introduction to football through to senior competition.

1. Youth

2. Academy 

3. Women

Each stage is designed to meet players wherever they are in their journey and provide the support they need to progress. Some players will begin at the Youth stage and move through the pathway step by step, while others may join at a later point that aligns with their individual journey. The pathway is deliberately flexible, offering multiple entry points, and each stage is structured to be safe, rewarding, and confidence building, ensuring players can develop at a pace that suits them.

YOUTH

Atlético London Youth is the starting point of our player pathway, providing a welcoming environment for girls aged Under 7 to Under 16 to begin their football journey. We currently have three active teams, U10, U11 and U13, covering North London and Hertfordshire. 

As an independent club dedicated entirely to girls’ and women’s football, we focus on creating a fun and safe environment where players feel comfortable taking their first steps in the game. At this stage, the emphasis is on enjoyment, inclusivity and learning the fundamentals of football.

For some players, this may be their first experience of organised sport; for others, it may be the next step in their development. Above all, the environment is designed to help players gain the confidence and passion that will carry them forward.

ACADEMY

The Atlético London Academy is the next stage of our pathway, designed for girls aged under 10 to Under 15 who want to develop their skills in a more structured and competitive environment. Currently, we run a U14 team, providing a bridge between grassroots football and senior-level competition. 

Players train twice per week within a structured programme that focuses on technical and tactical understanding and the physical demands of the modern game. Teams compete in the Junior Premier League (JPL), providing players with regular exposure to strong opposition and a high standard of competition. This environment allows players to challenge themselves while continuing to develop their skills and understanding of the game.

The academy plays an important role within the club’s long-term pathway, supporting players as they grow within the sport and preparing them for progression into the next level of football, while nurturing confidence and enjoyment at every stage.

As our pathway continues to grow, we aim to expand Youth and Academy teams further, creating opportunities for more girls to join and progress in football. This is an exciting venture, and we welcome all interested volunteers and UEFA-qualified coaches to help us build this next stage of development.

WOMEN

Our senior teams give players aged 16 and over the chance to compete in adult football within an ambitious and supportive environment, where development, confidence, and opportunity are at the heart of every session.

The First Team represents the club at the highest level, competing in the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (Tier 5) and playing home matches at The techsoc.com Stadium in Ilford. This is where players experience the intensity of senior football while still feeling supported to grow, challenge themselves, and embrace the game fully.

Alongside the First Team, as we grow, we will look to implement a Development Team. This team will be key to providing a transition from youth and academy football into adult competition. It gives players the chance to gain experience, refine their skills, and build confidence as they step into senior football at a pace that suits them.

While the Women’s team has just started, our focus remains clear: creating an environment where female players can progress, challenge themselves, and feel supported at every stage of their journey.

MOVING FORWARD

At Atlético London, our focus remains entirely on supporting female players and creating a clear, accessible pathway for progression. We know that girls often face barriers to starting football, and that opportunities can narrow as they grow older. Our pathway and entry points are designed to meet players wherever they are in their journey and to ensure that every stage feels possible, rewarding, and empowering.

More than just a structure, our pathway is a real world expression of the principles that guide the club: participation and belonging are at the heart of everything we do. As the pathway continues to grow, we aim to create more opportunities for girls to join, develop, and stay in the game. 

If this is something you’d like to be involved in, we would love to hear from you.