Southampton Football Club is delighted to confirm it has been awarded a Tier 1 Plus licence for its Regional Talent Club (RTC) ahead of the 2020/21 season, following the Football Association's yearly review process.
The FA conduct an annual review of all RTC setups up and down the country, as a matter of course, with Southampton's judged to be consistently exceeding Tier 1 criteria - both last season and also during 2018/19.
Tier 1 Plus status is reserved for clubs who are seen to be meeting and consequently exceeding such criteria, over the course of at least two consecutive seasons.
As a result, Southampton have become one of only four clubs awarded the licence, joining Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds United and Manchester United.
The review itself consists of feedback from clubs, players, parents, staff and internal FA members, with the results then collected and graded.
Southampton were found to be excelling in terms of general practises, with particular reference to: training facilities, player development pathway and player support.
General Manager Martina Heath said: "We are always striving to turn potential into excellence, on and off the pitch, so to achieve this accolade shows the hard work, discipline and dedication from the players, parent/guardians and staff.
“The commitment from each and every person involved within the girls' programme is now evident for all to see and something we, as a club, are really proud of."