Bethany Weyman

Beth was a part of CACT’s first ever female Post-16 cohort. She first discovered the programme after realising that a traditional sixth form didn’t feel like the right fit for her. She also explored other football-based Post-16 options but felt that CACT could provide more coaching opportunities for her, a profession she was beginning to show a real interest in, as well as being closer to home.

During her first year on the course, there was only one squad competing on the female side of the programme, playing in the NFYL Premier 2 Division. Beth struggled at times to find her place in a highly competitive team with girls from a variety of footballing backgrounds and experience. She noticed a big shift coming into her second and final year on the programme. The female side had grown, paving way for there to be two pathways: ‘Performance’ and ‘Development’. This provided more opportunities for Beth and all the other girls on the course to be in an environment that suited them and was adapted to their current needs and future ambitions.

Beth was placed in the Development group and was able to pick up more consistent game time, even captaining the team at the start of the season. This vital growth in the female Post-16 programme gave Beth the confidence boost she needed, and she was able to settle into a team with girls of a similar mindset, building a solid friendship group and excelling on the education side of the programme as well.

There were still some barriers to overcome, as Beth faced a long-term injury during her second year, which limited her ability to take part in training and matchdays. Beth received support from our on-site physio and had rehabilitation plans provided to help her get back to full strength. This allowed her to return to action before the end of the season.

During her time out injured, Beth went from strength to strength with her coaching work. Having done voluntary work with CACT during her first year on the course, Beth subsequently came on board as a casual coach and picked up paid sessions around her studies. She began coaching boys and girls of different ages across a variety of CACT’s football sessions, including after-school football clubs, girls-only Wildcats sessions and Football Holiday Courses. This provided valuable experience and time on the grass for Beth to hone her craft whilst she completed her UEFA C Licence coaching badge - a big achievement for a coach at such a young age.

Towards the end of her time on our Post-16 programme, Beth was introduced to a variety of exit routes. She explored the options of a US scholarship, doing a third year with us on our Year 14 Personal Training Course, going to university, or looking at apprenticeships. After much consideration, Beth decided to apply for our apprenticeship role at CACT, with our partners SCL providing the education aspect. This will allow her to gain a Level 4 Sports Coaching qualification and a wealth of practical coaching experience alongside it.

Discussing how the Post-16 Academy has helped her, Beth said: “Taking part in the programme has developed me in ways which I don’t think would have happened in another environment. It is fair to say I have been through my fair share of challenges whilst going through the course but the people I have met and the experiences I have had throughout my time during the Post-16 programme have been something I wouldn’t change, and would 100% recommend for a future pathway.”