The City of Orihuela Women’s Football Club is preparing for a midweek showdown at the municipal stadium, as they host the Steven Gerrard Football Academy’s women’s team. This fixture marks the launch of a promising collaboration between the Orihuela club and a renowned English football program. The aim is to deepen the partnership in the coming months and broaden pathways for young players on both sides.
In the under-18 division, local talents will square off against the English program with a 18:00 kickoff. The match doubles as a post-season showcase across the Valencia Community, underscoring the club’s commitment to development beyond the usual league schedule and giving young players a regional platform to display their skills on a broader stage.
The friendly clash is organized through FootballBusiness, a notable employment platform in football based in Orihuela. The collaboration stems from strong ties between the platform and the Steven Gerrard Academy, a program widely recognized for its structured youth development and emphasis on technical growth. Valentina Botella, the CEO and founder, spoke with pride about bringing a Steven Gerrard Academy match to the town. She highlighted the academy as one of England’s leading football schools, named after a historic figure in English football. Botella recalled a recent visit to Liverpool’s Anfield stadium to observe the academy’s facilities and training methods, noting the innovative youth development approach and its potential to influence regional programs in Spain.
Michael McDonough, principal of the partner school in Spain, extended gratitude to the Orihuela club and FutbolJobs for enabling a firsthand look at Spanish women’s football. He described the visit and the match as valuable opportunities to learn and grow, emphasizing how cross-border exchanges can raise standards for players, coaches, and staff alike. The exchange is seen as a practical path to share best practices and elevate the overall quality of the football community on both sides of the border.
Ruben Pastor, president of Club Féminas Ciudad de Orihuela, expressed excitement about hosting an international program of this caliber. He pointed to the chance to forge lasting relationships that support the sport’s growth and give players in Orihuela and Vega Baja greater visibility, extending recognition beyond regional borders. Pastor also thanked the Orihuela City Council and Orihuela Football Club for their support in facilitating access to facilities and coordinating logistics. He noted that collaboration of this kind strengthens community ties and establishes a model for future cross-border sporting events.
The match is scheduled for 18:00, with free entry and open access for all fans. Pastor encouraged local supporters to come out and cheer on the young prospects who represent the next generation of women’s football. The event turns an ordinary afternoon into a memorable showcase of talent and community spirit within the area’s sports ecosystem. It also serves as a testing ground for ongoing partnerships between clubs and academies, demonstrating how regional teams can leverage international connections to boost development, visibility, and opportunities for female players in Spain and beyond.