Esme Seddon has been attending BFCCT’s Emerging Talent Centre (ETC) since January 2023. She also plays grassroots football for Blackpool FC Girls and Ladies in the Under 13s team. This season she was offered a place in the Manchester City Under 14s Pro Game Academy squad for the 2023/24 season.
Esme has worked extremely hard since the ETC programme launched, taking part in our goalkeeper-specific training sessions as well as the outfield sessions alongside the Under 13/14s group. Most importantly, Esme is a great young woman with a positive personality, and is a fantastic teammate to all the girls in the group.
Since joining our ETC last year Esme has played in various organised fixtures including, Westmorland County FA girls’ teams, local boys’ futsal teams, Burnley ETC, Preston North End ETC and Manchester City Regional Talent Centre (RTC). These varied games ensure that all players are challenged and compete against some of the most talented young females in the country. Our philosophy is always to prioritise the development of each player over results. Esme has thrived in this environment.
Andy Aspinall, Female Football Development Manager at BFCCT, and ETC Centre Manager and Technical Lead said,
“Esme showed some good ability and huge amounts of potential in her initial trial for the ETC. Her drive and determination have been exceptional, she always has a smile on her face, and her confidence and communication skills have really improved. It is a shame that we are losing her, but she has an amazing opportunity to train several times a week with a Professional Game Academy, and we are delighted to have played a part in her development. She has a great future ahead of her.”
Esme Seddon, Under 13s ETC Goalkeeper, said,
“I’ve really loved my time at Blackpool FC Community Trust’s ETC. My coaches, Ian and Paul always manage to make the training sessions challenging yet fun and put a smile on my face and I can never thank them enough. The dedication, time and effort from my goalkeeper coaches, Dave and Erin have been amazing as well. Since joining, I’ve made some best friends that have also pushed me to become the best version of myself as a footballer.
Andy made this whole experience possible, and I am so incredibly grateful I cannot recommend the ETC enough for the girls who want to become better footballers and aspire to be the best.”
Esme’s parent, Phil, said,
“Since the age of seven, Esme has had a love for football but over the last 12 months it has really become a passion and something which she has started to take more and more seriously.
The ETC has provided the environment for her passion to grow to the next level allowing her to become more motivated, work harder, become more focused, and push on in her hopes of becoming a professional footballer. Since joining the ETC, Esme is much more confident and has also made some life-long friends through the programme. We want to thank all of the staff for the efforts they have put in.”
