Bermudian prospect Jahni Simmons and her Future Pro Academy Scholars were handed a taste of the elite game this week as they stepped onto the hallowed turf of St George’s Park.
The national home of England’s football teams provided the backdrop for a significant milestone in the development of the academy’s female pathway, as the squad underwent an intensive training session under the watchful eye of international pedigree.
Leading the session was Carla Ward, the current Head Coach of the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team. Known for her tactical acumen and high standards, Ward delivered a session defined by its intensity and technical detail, pushing the young scholars to meet the requirements of the professional game.
For Simmons, who has been steadily progressing through the English academy system, the opportunity to work directly with a sitting international manager represents a major leap in her development. The exposure to Ward’s detail-driven coaching style inside a world-class facility like St George’s Park is designed to accelerate growth and raise the expectations of those aiming to break into the senior ranks.
The session is part of a broader initiative by the Future Pro Academy to bridge the gap between youth football and the professional tiers. By providing scholars with direct access to top-level coaching, the academy aims to prepare its athletes for the psychological and physical demands of the international stage.
"Opportunities like this are massive for the development of the women’s pathway," an academy spokesperson noted. "Inside a facility like this, the environment itself demands a certain level of performance. When you add an international head coach into the mix, it provides the kind of experience that truly shifts a player's perspective."
As Simmons continues her journey in the UK, these moments of high-level exposure are becoming increasingly frequent. Following her recent transition to Coventry Sphinx Ladies FC, the Bermudian forward will be looking to translate the lessons learned from Ward’s elite-level coaching into her performances on the pitch as she targets a consistent role in the senior game.
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