The Dual Career Academy provides a full-time football and education programme for players aspiring to compete at the highest level while committing to an academic or work-related training programme. Arsenal Women have partnered with Oaklands College in St Albans, Hertfordshire, serving as their Principal Further Education Provider since September 2020.
This collaboration allows all players in the WSL Academy to pursue their academic studies at Oaklands College while simultaneously receiving football education with Arsenal Women FC.
In addition to the WSL Academy programme, the partnership now offers female players of varying ability levels a 16-19 football education programme at Oaklands College. This initiative enables players of diverse skill levels to engage in a full-time football education programme delivered by Arsenal Women FC while studying at Oaklands College.
Top-Level Training Facilities: Equipped for intensive football training and development.
Experienced Coaches: FA licensed staff providing expert guidance.
AWFC Elite: For players with high-level club experience, potential progression to Arsenal WFC U21’s.
AWFC Performance: For players seeking to advance their skills and compete in appropriate leagues and cups.
AWFC Participation: For players early in their football journey.
Professional Pathways: Potential to progress into the Arsenal WFC U21’s squad or other elite football environments.
Performance Support: Comprehensive support including physiotherapy and performance analysis.
This section provides important information regarding residential accommodation, team details, and academic requirements to join the Women's football academy.
Students can find guidance on accommodation options available through Oaklands College, ensuring a comfortable and supportive living environment. Additionally, information about the academy's teams and their development pathways will be highlighted.
For more information, please refer to the drop down sections.
All athletes will need to pass one of the football academy trials usually held during half terms and college holidays.
For more information, dates and to book a trial, please email your interest to
WolvesFootball@oaklands.ac.uk
The only formal requirement of joining the women's football academy is to be enrolled on one of our full time courses.
All Oaklands Wolves Athletes are required to purchase their kit from KitKing.
The women's team structure comprises the Arsenal WSL Academy U21s, representing Arsenal Women in the FA WSL Academy League; the Oaklands AWFC Elite, an elite college team in the National Football Youth League; and the Oaklands AWFC Development, a college team competing in the ECFA Premier League.
The Arsenal WSL Academy U21s features players aged 16-20 with international experience, while the Oaklands AWFC Elite targets those with substantial high-level club experience, including RTC/Academy participants. The Oaklands AWFC Development focuses on players with grassroots club experience aiming to enhance their skills.
Team compositions include 18-22 players for the Arsenal WSL Academy U21s and 18-20 players each for the Oaklands AWFC Elite and Development teams.
Progression opportunities exist for players to advance from the Development team to the Elite squad and potentially into the Arsenal WSL Academy U21s, while Elite players may move up to the U21s Programme, ultimately aiming for the Arsenal Women 1st team.
Student accommodation at our St Albans Campus is available for those enrolled in the sports academies. Our aim is to create a safe, supportive community that helps you transition smoothly away from home.
Amelia Bloom - After two years as an Arsenal U21 player and student at Oaklands College, Amelia will attend the University of Massachusetts this summer, pursuing a degree in sports management while continuing her football career.