This year marks a huge milestone for SHE CAN PLAY — 10 years of delivering the Essex Player Development Centre (PDC).
What started as a bold vision to create better opportunities for girls in football has grown into one of the region’s most successful female development programmes. A decade later, the impact speaks for itself.
A Decade of Pathways and Progression
Over the past 10 years, the Essex PDC has supported and developed hundreds of ambitious young female footballers — not just improving them as players, but building confidence, resilience and belief.
We are incredibly proud that:
- Two former PDC players have gone on to represent England Lionesses. Hope McSheffrey & Bella Cowley.
- Over 60 girls have progressed to professional clubs competing in the Women’s Super League (WSL)
- Many more now compete across the women’s football pyramid for strong, ambitious local clubs
For us, success has never been defined by numbers alone — but those numbers tell a powerful story about what happens when girls are given the right environment, coaching and belief.
More Than Just Football
From day one, the Essex PDC was built on a values-first philosophy. Long before the rapid growth of the women’s game, we committed to:
- Full-time female professional coaches
- High standards and clear development frameworks
- Creating a safe, ambitious and empowering space for girls
- Providing girls the opportunities to be young coaches
We’ve seen players arrive shy and uncertain, then leave as leaders — on and off the pitch.
Part of the Bigger Picture
The women’s game has transformed over the past decade. The visibility of the Women’s Super League and England’s Lionesses has inspired a generation.
We are proud that SHE CAN PLAY has been part of that movement at grassroots and development level — ensuring talented girls in Essex had access to elite-level coaching long before it became mainstream.
And while we celebrate the two England internationals and the 60+ players who reached professional environments, we are equally proud of the hundreds of players who continue to compete within the women’s football pyramid, representing fantastic local clubs and keeping the game strong at every level.
Because progression isn’t just about reaching the very top — it’s about staying in the game, thriving, and competing with confidence.
Looking Ahead to the Next 10 Years
As we enter our second decade delivering the Essex PDC, our mission remains the same:
To be the role models our young girls need.
To develop confident, ambitious female footballers.
The next generation is already here — and we are just getting started.
Here’s to 10 years of impact… and many more to come. ⚽💛
You can now register to trial for the 26/27 season at the PDC. Open for age groups from U10-U16.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScA-3iGb5zwaZu4xBijsvm2i3QCX1brwkfhP2hTC99KHP7PKA/viewform