Pathway Procedures & Policy
A clear, open and honest guide to how players move between Pathway, Trojans and Warriors at Prestbury Girls Academy.
Creating the most challenging and caring girls football academy in the region.
Our aim is simple: to place every player in the right environment, with the right challenge, at the right time.
Squad Structure
Full JPL Squad — First Team
For players currently ready to compete at the highest level within the age group.
The Warriors squad sets the playing and behavioural standards for the Academy and provides the benchmark for players in Trojans and Pathway.
Key characteristics:
- ✓ Full JPL matchday squad
- ✓ Highest current level
- ✓ Strong technical and tactical ability
- ✓ High training intensity
- ✓ Excellent attendance and commitment
- ✓ Positive attitude and resilience
Full JPL Squad - Development Squad
The Trojans are a full JPL matchday squad and receive the same core Academy programme as the Warriors.
The difference between Warriors and Trojans is the current playing level and development stage of the players — not the level of support, expectation, opportunity or value placed on the squad by the Academy. Trojans also act as a key development route towards Warriors football.
Key characteristics:
- ✓ Full JPL matchday squad
- ✓ Same core Academy programme as Warriors
- ✓ Competitive fixtures at the right level
- ✓ Clear feedback and progression targets
- ✓ Key development route towards Warriors
Development Route
The Pathway is a development route within the Academy environment.
Pathway players access structured coaching, Academy standards and future squad opportunities. They are part of the wider player development pathway, but They are part of the wider player development pathway, but they do not hold a full matchday squad place and are not guaranteed a regular fixture programme. Match opportunities may be offered where appropriate, when required by a squad, or where coaches believe it supports the player's development.
Key characteristics:
- ✓ Structured Academy coaching environment
- ✓ Not guaranteed a fixture programme
- ✓ Match opportunities may be offered where appropriate
- ✓ Long-term development focus
- ✓ Progression into Trojans or Warriors possible
Pathway Map
Pathway
Development Route
Trojans
Full JPL Squad
Warriors
Full JPL Squad
The usual route will be Pathway into Trojans, then Trojans into Warriors.
Direct route: Pathway → Warriors
Where a Pathway player is clearly ready for Warriors football and coaches agree it is the right environment, direct movement may be considered. This is not the expected route, but the option remains open.
Compare the Routes
| Warriors | Trojans | Pathway | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squad type | Full JPL squad | Full JPL squad | Development route |
| League football | Yes | Yes | Not guaranteed |
| Academy training | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Match opportunities | Regular fixture programme | Regular fixture programme | Where appropriate |
| Fee type | Full squad fee | Full squad fee | Pathway fee |
| Movement possible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Current Fees
Academy fees are set against the real cost of delivering the programme, including training venues, pitch hire, referees, equipment, footballs, fuel, minibus travel to away fixtures, VEO analytics and player support.
Excludes kit package and JPL admin fee.
Excludes kit package and JPL admin fee.
Warriors and Trojans have the same fee because both are full JPL squads and receive the same core Academy programme.
Pathway has a reduced fee because Pathway players are part of the Academy environment but are not guaranteed a regular fixture programme.
Pathway match involvement
If a Pathway player's match involvement becomes regular — for example, three or more consecutive games — the player should move to the full squad fee. This keeps the structure fair for all families.
Fees are pulled from the Season Registration Configuration so this page always reflects the live Academy fee structure.
Match Football
Warriors and Trojans are full JPL matchday squads and are expected to play league football.
Pathway players are part of the Academy environment, but they are not guaranteed match football. Match opportunities may be offered where appropriate, when required by a squad, or when coaches believe it supports the player's development.
Movement Guide
Moving Up
A player may be considered for upward movement when they are:
- •Consistently performing above their current group
- •Showing strong attitude and commitment
- •Ready for greater challenge
- •Technically and tactically capable
- •Physically and mentally ready
- •Adding value to the next squad environment
- •Showing consistency across training and matches
Decision-Making Structure
Warriors Manager
Leads the age group pathway and has overall command of the review and movement process.
Trojans Manager
Identifies players ready to progress, supports players moving down, and acts as the key link between Pathway and Warriors.
Pathway Coaches
Prepare players for future squad opportunities and identify players who may be ready for Trojans or Warriors.
Head of Academy / Head of Coaching
Supports or reviews decisions where movement may be sensitive, contested or significant.
Parent & Player Communication
Players and parents should understand that squad placement is reviewed regularly, movement can happen in both directions, and no squad place is guaranteed.
Development is not always linear. The aim is to place every player in the best environment for them at that moment in their development.
The door always remains open.
Players can move up or down depending on performance, attitude, commitment and development. Movement is part of the Academy model, not a punishment.
Reviews and Evidence
Players are reviewed through an ongoing evidence-based process.
Reviews do not always need to be formal meetings or full written reports. Evidence may come from attendance, training standards, match minutes, coach observations, behaviour, attitude, performance and development targets.
We will not move players, reduce opportunities or make pathway decisions based on one opinion, one bad game or emotion.
In simple terms: no evidence means no action.
Squad Stability
The pathway does not mean players will be moved constantly.
Squad stability matters. Players need time to settle, build confidence, understand expectations, form relationships and develop within a consistent coaching environment.
Reviews are there to support good decisions, not to create movement for the sake of movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every player is on a journey.
The aim of the pathway is to place each player in the environment that gives them the best chance to develop, enjoy football and reach their potential.
The badge on the shirt matters, but the person wearing it matters more.