The Girls' Academy was founded in June 2008 in order to add a more professional approach to the groundwork achieved since 2002 when the Glentoran Community Initiative catered for the underage team network at Glentoran. Initially the Academy was set up as a means to give back to the community that has supported the club for over 140 years.

The Academy network now extends to children as young as 6 years old with the teams ranging from

Under 8 through to Under 19, all competing in the best development centres and leagues in the country. We are also proud to have added an educational scholarship programme to our player pathway, alongside the clubs Ashfield Partnership

At Glentoran we believe that the welfare of the child is an important factor as we help develop the player as they start out on their football career. This is evident in our aims, and in our in-depth child protection policy that is constantly monitored and updated by our club’s child welfare officer.

Aims of the Academy

The aim of the Girls' Academy is to develop players to the best of their ability to be able to play at the highest level possible for the benefit of both the player, and Glentoran Football Club.

The academy shall promote equality, regarding gender, religion, and race, as well as promoting fair play and sportsmanship.

The academy shall compete in all national, international tournaments and coaching experiences as deemed suitable by the Academy Committee to increase the player's awareness of other cultures and religions, helping to broaden the player's outlook and experience.

Child Protection Policy - Link

Child Protection Policy Statement

Glentoran Football Club is committed to providing an environment which values and protects all children and young people, regardless of perceived ability, cultural identity or religious beliefs. Staff and volunteers within the Academy accept and recognise their responsibility to develop awareness of the issues that may cause children harm. They will endeavour to safeguard children by

• Being alert to the signs and symptoms of child abuse.
• Adopting child protection guidelines through a code of behaviour for staff and volunteers
•  Sharing information about concerns with relevant agencies and involving parents and children appropriately
• Providing effective training and support for staff and volunteers
• Glentoran Football Club is committed to reviewing their Child Protection Policy at a minimum of three yearly intervals to ensure continued best practice. Date of most recent review - August 2022

*The Child Welfare department at Glentoran Football Club is contactable at safeguarding@glentoran.com

Communication & Social Media Policy – Link

Contact us at:

• Website: www.glentoran.com 
• Email: girlsacademydirector@glentoran.com
• Facebook: Glentoran Women FC & Academy
• Instagram: @Glentoranwomenfc