Today (12/03) was Georgia Clarke’s final day with Peterborough United Foundation. We take a look back at her fantastic journey with the Foundation, ahead of her move to become the U21 Head Coach of Birmingham City Women.
Georgia’s initial role was NCS Co-Ordinator/DSO but changed to NCS/Women & Girls Manager/DSO fairly quickly after her arrival.
She’s been with the Foundation for just under five and a half years and has seen growth and changes not only in her department, but across the Foundation as a whole.
“The Foundation has evolved massively during my time here, not only within the Women & Girls Department but also the addition of new departments, such as Health & Wellbeing. When I first joined, I think the focus of our work was predominantly around football and sports delivery which is still of course at the heart of everything we do but there is now a bigger appreciation for other ways in which we can help & support in the local community. The Covid-19 lockdown probably played a big part in this where we had to adapt and find alternative ways to support those in need outside of physical delivery but still harnessing the power of football and club badge.” Georgia said.
Five and a half years is a long time in football, and indeed in life, and Georgia has dedicated the last five and a half years of her working life to Peterborough United Foundation. She’s worked with so many different people and worked across so many different projects and events. A pivotal part of our team since she joined, Georgia undoubtedly leaves with some unforgettable memories of her time at the Foundation.
Georgia said: “I have so many fond memories that will stay with me for a very long time during my time overseeing the girls pathway here at Peterborough United Foundation. In general, I have seen incredible growth in the Women & Girls Game which has led to the largest girls scholarship squad we’ve ever had, the number of participants attending our Girls Elite/Development Centre close to doubling since 2019 and the creation of our first ever Girls Team to represent Peterborough United in a boys league. It would be hard to pinpoint my favourite memory, but I certainly have a few that stand out – winning the league and cup double in the 21/22 season after some extremely tight battles with West Brom as well as winning our respective division during the first season competing in the NFYL in the 23/24 season. The Holland 2024 Tour was really special for me – despite the difficult loss of penalties during the final, it brought the group, both players and staff, closer together and the experience was about so much more than just football.”
Football isn’t an easy industry to get into and club community organisations can provide a brilliant stepping stone into the game. Many CCO’s have roles not too dissimilar to those of a football club and they can provide people with the experience and learning tools to really progress in their career. This has certainly been the case for Georgia, who now takes her first step into full-time professional football.
“The Foundation has absolutely been a beneficial stepping stone in my career because of the opportunities that I have been afforded whilst I have been here, which I owe many thanks to Gill (Foundation CEO) for. I have always been encouraged to develop myself further and have been supported through my UEFA B in Coaching Football and the FA Mentee Development Programme alongside my role at Peterborough United Foundation, which have both been key to progressing further in the Women & Girls Game. This season, I have had the opportunity to work with the Women’s First Team as Assistant Manager which felt a bit like a full-circle moment to work with the team at the pinnacle of the Women’s Game at the football club. This experience has certainly made me a better coach whilst having the pleasure to work within a brilliant group of people.” Georgia said.
We, at the Foundation, were proud to learn that Georgia had been named as the U21 Head Coach at Birmingham City Women, a role we’re sure she’ll excel in. She has a proven track record of developing young players to heights they never thought they could reach and we’re sure that will be the case for the young players in the blue of Birmingham.
Georgia said: “I’m very excited for the new role – I have had an ambition to progress into an U21 Head Coach role for quite some time now, although I must say I’m a little nervous. Essentially the role will involve coaching the U21 squad alongside a team of staff members with the aim to produce as many players as possible for the Women’s First Team at Birmingham. I’ll have a busy start to life at Birmingham with an away trip to Brighton and a cup final all within my first couple of weeks!”
Looking ahead, Georgia just wants to keep progressing within the Women’s game, to see where it may take her in the future.
“My longer-term hopes and aspirations are to continue to progress within the Women’s Professional Game as much as I can but I’m not entirely sure what this looks like yet. I have enjoyed my experiences so far working within the Women’s Senior Game, so this is potentially something I’d explore further but I also had the exposure of observing an U16 England Lioness Camp during the FA MDP which is an environment I’d love to work in. I think most importantly, I want to continue to develop myself as a coach, both on and off the pitch, whilst the Women’s Game continues to grow and who knows where this will take me.” Georgia said.
And finally, Georgia was keen to thank those who have been a part of her brilliant journey at Peterborough United Foundation:
“I don’t think there’s the words to do this justice, but I’ll give it a go – there’s so many people I need to thank (hopefully I don’t forget anyone!). My first thank you must go to all the incredible players I’ve coached during my time at Peterborough United Foundation and who have made this job so enjoyable for me. I think the biggest sense of pride I get is watching players develop and thrive in our environment, not only in terms of football but also off the pitch into young adults of value who are well prepared for their next steps. I also recognise that very little of my work at Peterborough United Foundation would’ve been possible without the parents of players who have always demonstrated such support for what I have tried to achieve with the girls’ pathway here. Of course, another thanks goes to all the colleagues that I have worked with at Peterborough United Foundation, many of whom I would now consider friends. The growth in the girls’ pathway wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible coaches and staff that I have worked with and alongside over the five and a half years that I have been here. Last but by no means least, I must thank Peterborough United Foundation’s CEO, Gill, who has been my line manager for the bulk of my time here whose support has never faltered, and she has been a key figure in the progression of my career. Ultimately, I have had the pleasure of working with so many incredible people during my time at Peterborough United Foundation and whilst there’s so much that I will miss about it, the people are what I’ll miss the most.”
From all at the Foundation, we’d like to thank Georgia for everything she’s done during her time at Peterborough United Foundation. Georgia has been a pleasure to work with for everyone at the Foundation and is certainly considered a valued friend by everyone here.
Good luck with your next step, Georgia, we’ll be keeping an eye on your progress and don’t be a stranger!
