The University of Huddersfield and Huddersfield Town Foundation are proud to announce a landmark partnership for 2026 that will create one of the region's most ambitious pathways for women's football, bringing together higher education, elite sport and community development to inspire the next generation of female players.
The strategic partnership marks a significant investment in the future of women's football across West Yorkshire and reflects the growing demand for high-quality playing, coaching and educational opportunities for women and girls.
As part of the collaboration, the University of Huddersfield will become the Official Higher Education Partner for the Foundation's women's football programme, working together to develop a sustainable player pathway that supports participation from grassroots through to university-level competition.
The partnership will establish the University as a regional hub for women's football, combining academic excellence with elite sporting opportunities to ensure talented players can continue their education while competing at the highest level.
Together, the organisations will deliver an ambitious programme of activity including:
The development of an enhanced women's football performance pathway linking local grassroots clubs, schools, colleges the University and Huddersfield Town Women FC.
Increased playing opportunities through competitive university football and talent development programmes alongside Strength & Conditioning, Physio and sport science support.
Scholarships available for high quality players.
Leadership and coach education programmes to increase the number of qualified female coaches, referees and volunteers across the region.
Student placements and paid opportunities within Huddersfield Town Foundation across coaching, sports development, marketing, health and wellbeing, events and community engagement.
Talent identification events designed to support aspiring footballers and provide clear progression routes into higher education and performance football.
The partnership is built around a shared vision of making football more accessible while creating meaningful opportunities for women and girls to thrive both on the pitch and in education.
Ben Severn, Performance and Partnerships Manager at the University of Huddersfield, said:
"Women's football continues to grow at an incredible pace, and we're proud to be working alongside Huddersfield Town Foundation to help shape its future in our region. This partnership reflects our commitment to creating opportunities that allow talented players to combine academic achievement with sporting excellence, while making a lasting impact within our local communities."
Jill Stacey, Head of Operations at Huddersfield Town Foundation, said:
"This partnership presents an exciting opportunity to support the continued growth of women’s football by bringing together the University of Huddersfield’s commitment to student development and Huddersfield Town Foundation’s expertise in elite level football coaching.
Through this collaboration, we will deliver a high-quality coaching programme for the University’s women’s football team, creating a clear and aspirational pathway for talented players to progress into the Huddersfield Town Women’s set up at the appropriate level.
At Huddersfield Town Foundation, we are committed to providing programmes that develop not only tactical understanding and technical ability, but also the personal, professional and leadership skills that create long-term opportunities beyond simply playing the game.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on the development of women’s football across Kirklees and the opportunities it will create for the next generation of players."
A key ambition of the partnership is to strengthen the connection between grassroots football and higher education, ensuring talented young women no longer have to choose between pursuing a university degree and continuing their football journey.
University students will benefit from invaluable real-world experience through placements and applied learning opportunities within Huddersfield Town Foundation, and elite high level coaching and pathways in the women’s football pyramid.
The partnership reinforces the University of Huddersfield's growing reputation as a destination for high quality elite sports people and reflects both organisations' commitment to supporting the continued growth of women's football following its unprecedented rise in participation and visibility across England.
Together, the University of Huddersfield and Huddersfield Town Foundation are committed to creating lasting opportunities that will inspire the next generation of female footballers while strengthening the future of the game across West Yorkshire.
Founded in 2012, Huddersfield Town Foundation uses the power of OUR club to create opportunities, reduce inequalities and inspire lasting change for OUR community through the delivery of projects across Kirklees and the surrounding area.
The Foundation offers opportunities across education, health and youth engagement to deliver impactful, inclusive programmes that empower OUR TOWN to thrive.