G F Tomlinson partners with Derby County Community Trust to support female football pathway

Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has announced a continued partnership with Derby County Community Trust (DCCT), reinforcing a shared commitment to supporting young people and expanding opportunities for women and girls in sport.

At the heart of the partnership is G F Tomlinson’s backing of DCCT’s Female Talent Pathway - a structured development programme designed to support aspiring footballers from under-9 through to under-21 level. 

The initiative provides a clear and progressive route into elite football, including the opportunity to advance into Derby County Women’s First Team.

Through this sponsorship, players will benefit from high-quality coaching, regular competitive fixtures and a professional training environment, with participants training a minimum of four hours per week. The programme also places a strong emphasis on education and personal development, for full-time under 18 and under 21 players, helping them to grow both on and off the pitch.

The partnership represents a joint investment in the local community, with the majority of players coming from Derbyshire and the surrounding areas. By supporting the pathway, G F Tomlinson is helping to ensure that local talent is recognised, nurtured and given the opportunity to thrive.

The collaboration comes at a pivotal time for the women’s game, as participation continues to grow alongside rising delivery costs. G F Tomlinson’s support will help DCCT sustain and enhance the quality of its female development programmes, alleviating financial pressures and enabling a continued focus on developing talented athletes and positive role models.

This partnership aligns closely with DCCT’s wider mission to improve lives through sport, physical activity, health and education. By expanding access to high-quality opportunities for young women, the collaboration will help foster confidence, teamwork and resilience creating lasting benefits both within football and across the wider community.

Andy Sewards, Chairman at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are pleased to partner with Derby County Community Trust and support such an impactful initiative. The Female Talent Pathway not only nurtures sporting excellence but also plays a vital role in developing confidence and resilience which are important life skills in young people.

“At G F Tomlinson, we are passionate about investing in the communities where we work, and this partnership reflects our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for future generations, supporting the growth of the women’s game and helping young athletes realise their potential is something we relish being a part of.”

Chris Tomlinson, Head of Business Development at Derby County Community Trust, said: “We are incredibly proud to be partnering with G F Tomlinson in support of our Female Talent Pathway. Their investment will play a vital role in helping us continue to develop talented young footballers from across Derbyshire while also supporting their personal development away from the pitch.

“This partnership is about much more than football – it’s about creating opportunities, supporting aspirations and helping young people reach their full potential. We are delighted to be working with an organisation that shares our commitment to supporting local communities and the continued growth of the women’s game.”