Have you got an amazing young female player on your team? A girl who has what it takes to grow from grassroots to greatness? Perhaps to be a future Lioness? You can refer her to #DiscoverMyTalent through England Football and you’ll be helping her to take her first step onto the Women’s England Talent Pathway.

Open until Monday 30th September, the referral window is currently giving every girl, including those in Essex, the outstanding opportunity to match her outstanding potential. Since 2021, England Football have seen over 5,100 unique referrals. Each one is a player they couldn’t have discovered without grassroots support. Coaches, volunteers, match officials, teachers, parents and all kinds of people working with young players have seen potential and put players forward.

What are England Football looking for? Players who are eligible to represent England, and who were born between 2009 and 2011. Players who excel in other sports can also be referred, as they may have transferable skills. England Football want to give them the opportunity to access their inclusive and accessible pathway.

Importantly, they can continue to play their existing football, wherever that may be. England Football aim to continue to supply England teams with the quality, diversity and depth of players to enable the Lionesses to win another major tournament. In doing so, they’re leaving no stone unturned when it comes to finding future talent across England.

So… it’s over to you! If you have a player in mind, all you need to do is refer her by filling in the Player Referral Form accessible via this link, and England Football will do the rest. Check out what their Future Lioness Characteristics look like, and what they’re looking for. You can also interact with @EssexCountyFA on X and search for the ‘EssexFootball’ page on Facebook.