FC Evolution Announces New Performance Partnership with the University of Hertfordshire

FC Evolution is proud to announce an exciting new performance partnership with the University of Hertfordshire, marking a significant step forward in the development of the women’s game and our long-term vision for female player pathways.

The collaboration will see FC Evolution play a key role in the delivery and strategic direction of the Herts Women’s Performance Football Programme, supporting its ambition to become one of the leading university football pathways in the UK.

Why the University of Hertfordshire Chose FC Evolution

As part of their long-term strategy to elevate women’s football, the University of Hertfordshire set out to identify a partner who could help drive standards, innovation and performance across the programme. Their key objectives included:

Reviewing, shaping and elevating the existing women’s football programme
Bringing expert coaching knowledge, with a strong understanding of the female game
Introducing fresh ideas, high standards and enhanced player experiences
Supporting the development of a Women’s Senior Team and a clear progression pathway
Building a programme capable of competing at the top end of university football

Following discussions, FC Evolution emerged as the ideal partner to support this vision.

A Partnership Built on Shared Ambition

Bryn Clark, Deputy Director of Sport at the University of Hertfordshire, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership:

“As a university, we are delighted and excited to be working with FC Evolution, who have an outstanding reputation within the football coaching and management business.

Working initially with our women’s performance football programme, FC Evolution will play a huge role in shaping and directing the programme with the aim of becoming one of the leading women’s football pathways in the university sector.

From the initial discussions, we were impressed with Michael and knew their experience and knowledge, coupled with outstanding delivery standards, would make for an excellent working partnership. We look forward to a successful period for the women’s football programme.”*

Creating a Clear Player Pathway

For FC Evolution, this partnership represents an exciting opportunity to extend our impact within the women’s game and support players beyond youth football and into higher education and senior performance environments.

Chairman Michael Richardson commented:

“Our partnership with the University of Hertfordshire is a fantastic step forward for FC Evolution. Working together to deliver their Women’s Performance Team creates a clear and meaningful pathway for our players to remain in higher education while continuing to receive first-class coaching and outstanding off-pitch support.

This collaboration not only strengthens opportunities for our female players, but also aligns perfectly with our ambition to launch an FC Evolution Women’s Senior Team for the 2026 season.”*

Looking Ahead

This partnership reinforces FC Evolution’s commitment to developing well-rounded footballers, creating genuine progression routes, and raising standards within the women’s game. We’re excited about what the future holds and look forward to working closely with the University of Hertfordshire to deliver a high-performance environment that supports players both on and off the pitch.

More updates will follow as the programme develops.

For any athletes looking to apply you can also apply for the Unversity’s Sports Scholarship scheme here.

Our girls shine in County Squad Selections

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of several of our talented girls who have recently trialled — and been selected — for the County squads! 👏⚽

Their hard work, dedication, and passion for the game have truly paid off, and their success is a reflection of the progress being made within our girls’ programme.

Within our club, we aim to create an environment where every player can thrive — building confidence, improving technical ability, and developing the resilience needed to perform at the highest level. Seeing our players rewarded with County call-ups is a fantastic testament to that.

Each of these players has shown outstanding commitment — being consistent with their performances in training a games, pushing themselves to improve every week, and embracing feedback from our coaching team. They’re fantastic role models for younger players and shining examples of what’s possible with the right attitude and environment.

Our girls’ pathway continues to grow, providing opportunities for players to progress into elite environments such as County squads, Academy teams, and beyond.

💪 Well done to all involved — your achievements are something the entire club is proud of!

FC Evolution is proud to announce the launch of our Women’s First Team, who will be entering the Essex County Women’s Premier Division for the 2025/26 season. This marks a major milestone in the club’s ongoing commitment to providing high-level opportunities for female footballers and creating a complete pathway from grassroots to senior football within our programme.

The formation of the First Team follows years of development within our girls’ football structure, which has seen hundreds of players benefit from our weekly sessions, development centres, and tournament opportunities. Now, with a senior team in place, we are offering a platform for players to continue their journey at a competitive level in a supportive and ambitious environment.

To build our squad, we will be holding Open Trials throughout June and July. These sessions are open to players aged 16+ who are looking to test themselves in a challenging, professional setup.

Key Features of the Women’s First Team setup include:

✅ Home fixtures played on a top-quality 4G surface

✅ Weekly training sessions led by UEFA B qualified coaches

✅ Access to dedicated goalkeeping coaches

✅ Integration into the wider FC Evolution playing philosophy and culture

A Message from the Chairman

Michael, Chairman of FC Evolution, shared his excitement around the expansion:

“Launching our Women’s First Team is a natural step forward for the club and one we’ve been working towards for a while now. We’ve always believed in building strong foundations — from the youngest age groups right through to senior football. This team gives our players something to aspire to, and we’re committed to making it a professionally run, player-focused environment. Hopefully we will be able to share some more exciting news in the not too distant future regarding the women’s game”

From Grassroots to Greatness

Sarah, FC Evolution’s Head of Girls’ Football, has overseen the rapid growth of the girls’ game within the club:

“We’ve seen the talent, commitment and passion in our youth age groups over the past 3 seasons, and now it’s time to continue the pathway for some extraordinarly talented girls. The Women’s First Team is more than just a squad — it’s a statement that we believe in long-term progression and in providing real, visible opportunities for female footballers to thrive.”

Join Us – Open Trials T

his Summer

Whether you’ve just finished youth football, recently stepped away from the game, or are looking for a fresh challenge in a driven team environment — we’d love to see what you can do.

🟣 Open Trials will run across June & July, and places can be registered via our online form or by emailing admin@fcevolution.co.uk

Be part of something new. Be part of FC Evolution.

🎉 PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Reign Signs for Colchester United U9s 🎉

We’re delighted to share the fantastic news that Reign, one of our standout young players, has signed for Colchester United U9s for the 2025/26 season!

Reign has been training with our U8s for the majority of this season, and his journey has been nothing short of impressive. From the moment he stepped into our programme, Reign has shown exceptional attitude, enthusiasm, and a desire to learn — qualities that have shone through week after week.

Throughout the season, Reign consistently demonstrated technical quality, creativity in tight areas, and a maturity beyond his years. His work ethic, willingness to take on feedback, and team-first mentality made him a joy to coach and a role model among his peers.

We caught up with our Lead Foundation Phase Coach, Tom Johnson, who has worked closely with Reign this season. He shared:

“Reign has been brilliant to work with this year. His progression has been clear to see — he’s shown great improvement in all aspects of his game, particularly his ability to play under pressure and make good decisions with the ball. What stands out most is his love for the game. Every session, he turns up with a smile and a willingness to improve. I have no doubt he’ll continue to develop at Colchester United, and we’re all really proud of him.”

Everyone at the club wishes Reign the very best of luck as he begins this exciting new chapter with Colchester United. We’ll be cheering him on from the sidelines and can’t wait to follow his journey in the Academy system.

Keep believing, keep working hard, and most importantly — keep enjoying the game, Reign! 👏⚽️

⚽ Interested in Following in Reign’s Footsteps?

If you’re a committed and ambitious player looking to test yourself in a professional environment, we’re now accepting trial applications for our teams across various age groups.

Whether you’re aiming for academy football or simply want to develop within a high-quality coaching programme, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Click here to register your interest for a trial

We’re incredibly proud to share some fantastic news – Isaiah Hutchinson has signed a new two-year contract with Charlton Athletic as he prepares to move into his U15 season!

Isaiah has spent the last six months playing for our U14s in the Junior Premier League, and his time with us has been nothing short of impressive. His dedication, consistency, and quality on and off the pitch have stood out week after week. During his spell, Isaiah faced strong opposition and rose to every challenge – continuing to develop his technical, tactical, and physical performance with maturity beyond his years.

His efforts have been rewarded with a return to Charlton Athletic and a new deal that sees him retained for another two years – a testament to his character and potential.

U14s Manager Michael had this to say about Isaiah’s journey:

“Isaiah has been a pleasure to work with. He came into our environment with real drive and a willingness to improve, and that rubbed off on the rest of the group. He’s taken on feedback brilliantly, developed in all areas of his game, and shown why he belongs at academy level. We’re really proud to see him return to Charlton and secure a two-year deal – it’s thoroughly deserved.”

Isaiah’s story is another great example of how our JPL programme provides a platform for talented young players to continue their journey towards the academy game.

⚽ Interested in Following in Isaiah’s Footsteps?

If you’re a committed and ambitious player looking to test yourself in a professional environment, we’re now accepting trial applications for our teams across various age groups.

Whether you’re aiming for academy football or simply want to develop within a high-quality coaching programme, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Click here to register your interest for a trial

We’ll be following Isaiah’s progress closely and wish him all the best as he enters the next phase of his football journey at Charlton Athletic.

Keep pushing, Isaiah – your journey is just getting started! 🔴⚪

FC Evolution Partners with Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form to Launch U18 Full-Time Education and Football Programme

FC Evolution is delighted to announce a new and exciting partnership with Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form, launching a full-time U18 football and education programme starting September 2025. This marks a major milestone in the club’s journey as it continues to grow its player development pathway and build a strong footballing community across the region.

In Year One, the programme will feature two full-time U18 squads, both of which will compete in the prestigious County U19 College League. Players will combine academic studies with a full-time football timetable delivered by UEFA-qualified coaches, in a professional-style environment that prioritises both performance and personal development.

A key feature of the programme is access to Notley High School’s brand-new 4G pitch, a state-of-the-art facility that provides the highest quality surface for year-round training and matches. This investment in infrastructure further strengthens the player experience and supports the programme’s ambition to deliver excellence both on and off the pitch.

FC Evolution Chairman, Michael Richardson, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch:

“This partnership represents everything FC Evolution stands for – opportunity, community, and development. We’re not just building footballers – we’re helping to shape confident, capable young people who are prepared for their next steps in life. Working with Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form gives us the perfect blend of top-tier education and elite football facilities. We’re proud to bring this programme to life for the benefit of students, families, and the wider Braintree community.”

As part of FC Evolution’s continued commitment to inclusivity and progression, a full-time Women’s Programme will launch in Year Two. This expansion is a vital part of the club’s mission to provide equal opportunities and a clear pathway for female footballers in Essex.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with FC Evolution on this ground-breaking programme. By combining high-quality education with elite football development, and making use of our brand-new 4G pitch, we’re offering students a unique opportunity to thrive both in the classroom and on the pitch. This initiative is about more than just football – it’s about inspiring ambition, building confidence, and creating pathways for success that benefit our students and the wider Braintree community.”

— Mark Barrow, Headteacher, Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form

Applications for the September 2025 intake are still open, and players are encouraged to register their interest and attend one of the upcoming trial dates. The programme is open to ambitious student-athletes who are passionate about football and committed to their education.

For more information or to apply, please register here.

A Proud Moment for Our Development Centres

We’re thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone for one of our own—Danny, a talented and dedicated young player, has been selected to represent the County football team!

A Journey That Began at Our Development Centres

Danny’s football journey started right here at our Development Centres, where his natural talent and passion for the game were evident from day one. Whether it was his ability to take on opponents with confidence or his unwavering love for the sport, Danny’s flair and determination set him apart.

Having recently returned to our team, FC Evolution, Danny has been training with our U14s, continuing to push himself and develop his game.

Hard Work Paying Off

Danny’s selection for the County team is a testament to his hard work and commitment during every training session and match. It’s proof that dedication and perseverance can pave the way to amazing opportunities.

This achievement marks a significant step forward in Danny’s footballing journey, and we couldn’t be prouder of how far he has come.

A Bright Future Ahead

Congratulations, Danny! Your success is well-deserved, and we know this is just the beginning of an exciting and bright football future. Keep up the fantastic work, and we can’t wait to see what you achieve next.

Scarlett Harding Called Up for International Duty!

We are overjoyed to announce an incredible achievement for one of our own! Scarlett Harding, from our U14s team, has made history as our very first player to receive an international call-up. Representing Estonia, Scarlett will compete in three matches at the prestigious Baltic Cup before heading to Albania for another tournament.

A Journey of Determination and Talent

Scarlett’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting at our Girls Development Centre just 18 months ago, she quickly established herself as a standout player. Her first full season with us in the JPL was just last year, and now, she’s taking the international stage.

Head of Girls Football, Sarah Smith, couldn’t be prouder:

“This is our first player to be called up for International Duty, and we couldn’t be prouder of how far Scarlett has come in such a short space of time. She started at our Girls Development Centre just over 18 months ago, played her first full season for us last season in the JPL, and is now playing for her country! What a rise to fame and fantastic achievement. We couldn’t be happier for her and wish her good luck!”

A Moment to Celebrate

Scarlett’s achievement is a testament to her talent, hard work, and determination. It’s also a proud moment for everyone at the club, highlighting the opportunities and pathways we strive to provide for all our players.

Keep Shining, Scarlett!

Congratulations, Scarlett! You’re an inspiration to everyone at the club, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what you accomplish on this incredible journey. Best of luck in the Baltic Cup and Albania—you’ve already made us all so proud!

Rising Star: Albie Shea’s Journey to an Arsenal Trial

A massive congratulations to Albie Shea, our talented goalkeeper, who has earned an exciting opportunity to trial with Arsenal! Albie’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and relentless effort on and off the pitch.

A Standout Talent

Albie joined us midway through last season and quickly made his mark within our team. U12s Coach Will Fordham shares:

“Albie played a really important role in our team from the moment he arrived. He integrated seamlessly with the boys, which is crucial both on and off the pitch. His performances have been nothing short of inspiring, and he’s proven himself to be a reliable and hardworking player.”

One of Albie’s standout moments came during our tour in Barcelona, where he showcased his skills against international teams from Sweden and Ireland. His exceptional double save earned him the Moment of the Tournament award and set the tone for his growing reputation as a rising star.

Big Game Heroics

Albie’s ability to shine under pressure has been a key part of his success. In June, he played a pivotal role in helping the team secure the Silver Cup in Hertford. The final shootout saw him save a crucial penalty, securing victory for his team and further cementing his place as an invaluable player.

Dedication to Improvement

Albie’s approach to training and matches is exemplary. He doesn’t just show up—he shows up with purpose. Coach Will praises his commitment:

“Albie’s approach to training and matches has been exceptional. He asks important questions, actively seeks feedback, and views every session and game as an opportunity to grow. This mindset is what sets him apart and will undoubtedly serve him well in the future.”

The Arsenal Trial

Now, Albie’s hard work has led him to an incredible opportunity—a trial with Arsenal, one of the biggest clubs in the world. This achievement is a reflection of his dedication to his craft and the countless hours he has spent honing his skills.

The Journey Ahead

This is just the beginning for Albie, and we couldn’t be prouder of his progress so far. Trials like this don’t just happen—they’re earned through consistent effort, a positive attitude, and a determination to improve every single day.

We’ll be cheering Albie on as he takes this exciting next step in his footballing journey. Keep an eye on this rising star—there’s no doubt he’s just getting started!

As the season comes to a close, we reflect on an incredible season filled with unforgettable experiences, thrilling tournaments, and remarkable achievements. Our players have shown exceptional talent, determination, and teamwork, making us immensely proud. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights:

Another great experience at the Barcelona football cup

Our U10s and U11s had the fantastic opportunity to travel to Barcelona for a weekend full of football in the sun. The tour saw over 100 teams from 15 countries come together at world-class facilities in Spain. Despite the highs and lows, our boys were brilliant both on and off the pitch.

Coaches Charlie Fairhead and Will Fordham, who supported our teams in Barcelona, shared their thoughts: “It was great to see the progression of the team on the pitch but also the growing bond away from the football, which created a strong togetherness. An experience which will be remembered by all!” 💪

Will added, “A brilliant weekend away and a great chance to see our players outside of their comfort zone and bonding in a new environment. A real positive weekend full of challenges, football, and memories.” ⭐

A big congratulations to our teams, both of whom made it to their finals, with our U10s proudly bringing home a trophy! 🏆

Girls shine at the Barcelona Girl’s Cup

Building on our success, all of our girls’ teams traveled to sunny Spain to compete in the Barcelona Girl’s Cup. We embarked on this journey with 117 players and family members, making it an amazing experience for all. We are incredibly proud of our girls’ teams that competed and excelled in the tournament.

A massive well done to our U12s team for finishing 1st out of 16 teams, our U11s for securing 3rd place, and our U15s for winning their finals and coming home champions!

Head Coach Sarah Smith, who accompanied our teams to Spain, said, “It was an amazing weekend for the girls on and off the pitch. It was great for team bonding and making memories the girls will always remember. Playing against teams from all over Europe like Norway, France, and Ireland was a great experience.”

Girls’ Season highlights

🏆 U13s had an amazing unbeaten JPL Warriors League run, crowned champions, and competed in the Cup final against Arsenal, as well as the Champions Final in Worcester.

🏆 U12s battled in the County Cup Final vs Billericay.

🏆 U12s & U13s shined at Chelsea’s “Under the Lights” tournament.

🏆 All teams had a great experience playing against Ipswich Town.

🏆 Five of our girls were selected for the JPL Representation Teams.

🏆 Four U12s girls were signed at West Ham United.

🏆 U11s crowned Rayleigh Tournament winners (scoring 20 goals and keeping a clean sheet), Goffs Oak Tournament Winners, Intersports Tournament Winners, BSCFC Tournament Winners.

🏆 U12s BSCFC Tournament Winners.

🏆 U13s Goffs Oak Tournament Winners.

🏆 U15s Hertford Town Girls Tournament Shield Winners, Goffs Oak Tournament Winners, Petts Wood Tournament Winners.

Boys’ Season Highlights

🏆 Building on last season, we added a new U10s team, who have grown throughout the season.

🏆 Our U12s finished 2nd in their league and have started to compete 11 vs 11 in preparation for next season.

🏆 Five players went on trial with pro clubs, including Cambridge, Millwall, and Arsenal.

🏆 We’ve played some brilliant showcase fixtures against Cambridge United, Colchester, Leyton Orient, and Tottenham Hotspur.

🏆 Another amazing Barcelona Tour, with our U10s coming home champions!

🏆 Some great experiences at a variety of tournaments

Looking Forward

As we celebrate the successes of this season, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming events and challenges. Our players have shown tremendous growth, and we are excited to see what the future holds for them. Thank you to all our coaches, players, and families for their unwavering support and dedication. Here’s to more fantastic achievements and memories in the seasons to come!