CIRENCESTER TOWN manager Charlie Griffin is turning his hand to a new role – as coach for a women’s football academy.

Bath College has chosen Griffin to coach teenagers joining its new women’s academy in September.

The academy, in partnership with Bath City FC, will help to meet an increasing demand for women’s football.

Charlie has been coaching at the Bath City Community Sports Foundation for more than six years, including some girls' football.

Among the professional clubs the prolific striker turned out for as a player were Swindon Town, Wycombe Wanderers and Stevenage Town.

He took on his first managerial role with Southern League side Cirencester Town last September.

Griffin said: “At the Bath City Community Sports Foundation, we’ve built up the girls’ football team and we’ve seen it grow over the years.

“This programme will be different. We’re there to help them move up a level and improve them as a footballer.

“This is a great opportunity to work with the college, and for these girls it gives them a real focus. If they can look to the England women’s team and see a progression route, that helps to inspire them.

“I started off at the age of four kicking a ball around. I was at the Bristol Rovers academy until I was 16, when I was released, but I never gave up and worked hard to get signed for Swindon Town.

“That’s what I tell the girls who train with us, never give up and that determination will pay off. We would love one of these girls to play in the Women’s Super League one day, because the talent is out there.”

Players training at the academy, which is unique to Bath, will train three times a week at the Bath College gym and Odd Down Sports Ground.

They will play matches on Wednesday as part of the ECFA (English Colleges Football Association) and will study for a Level 2 or Level 3 BTEC in sport.

Lecturer in sport, Paul Blenkinsopp, said: “It is great for the college to have Charlie leading the coaching of our new women’s football academy.

“He not only brings a vast knowledge from the men’s professional game, but has been coaching girls for six years as part of his role at the Bath City Community Sports Foundation.

“This knowledge and understanding of women’s football will be vital for our first year, but also as we look to grow and strengthen the programme over the coming years.

“There are still places available on the women’s academy and I encourage anyone who is interested to contact me for more information.”

To find out about the women’s football academy call (01225) 312191 or e-mail paul.blenkinsopp@bathcollege.ac.uk.