17th March 2025
Women’s football has seen enormous growth in popularity, triggered in part by the Lionesses’ amazing success on the pitch at the Women’s World Cup in 2023, when they reached the final – the first England football team to achieve this since 1966.
And now a whole new generation of female players has been inspired to put extra time in at training at South Devon College, as part of the Torquay United Academy.
Keeping them onside is coach Jobie Triffitt, who joined the College as a Learning Support Assistant in September 2024, after studying a degree in Football Coaching and Management.
“I was told there were a few girls who wanted to play football so was asked if I’d like to coach them – there were five girls when I started,” Jobie said.
“I knew there was potential here but, for the first few months, I just wanted the girls to enjoy it – it’s just about creating an environment where they feel comfortable and valued.”
A few months on, and there are now over 16 girls on the programme – and not all from sports courses. Any level of play and experience is accepted – the only stipulation is that they enjoy the game!
“There are team members who have never played football before, which requires different level of coaching, alongside experienced players from Torquay United’s U16 girls’ team,” continued Jobie.
“We bring them all into a welcoming environment where all their needs are met – they are all valued exactly the same.”
Back: Jasmine Povey, Poppy Wyatt, Zara Studley, Kaitlyn Jackson, Dilay Mustafa, and Amelia Skervin.
Front: Steffi Parkin, Maddison Ridgewell, Edie Bithell, and Keira Radford
As for the students – they are loving their pitch time. Student Jasmine Povey, 18, is studying Sport and Exercise Science. She said: “I have been playing football since I was seven, and I then joined the College team to help with developing my skills. I’m gaining more social skills, confidence and leadership skills, as well as seeing an improvement in my football skills.
“I enjoy the friendships being made and the trips to away games. And the home game atmosphere with laughter and happiness is always fun.”
Maddison Ridgewell, 14, is studying in the High School. She said: “Being a part of this football team has allowed me to make new friends and I am really enjoying it.
“I play for Torquay United outside of College, yet being part of the College team has taught me new skills and tactics which allows me to be a better player.
“Jobie has welcomed everyone and encouraged them to follow their passion of football. My team are like family and just being around them makes me so happy.”
The team trains twice a week and receives top quality coaching and feedback.
“During training we go through tactical elements and principles of play to broaden their understanding of the sport,” explained Jobie. “Then there is lots of ball-rolling time, which is so important for beginners.
“We then coach to their individual needs and I’ve created player reports to highlight their attributes and what they need to work on, so they receive very individual feedback.”
Student Nisa Zafar, 17, studies a Level 3 in Sports and Exercise Science. She said: “I wanted to join the team as the coaches were very welcoming and I have previously played football in both primary and secondary school, as well as being a member of an external club.
“The benefits I have gained from joining the team is more social interaction, being involved in fun activities and also being surrounded by positive energy. Jobie makes every training session fun.
“Having a player report shows us our strengths and weaknesses which is very supportive.”
The team now plays matches on a Wednesday – as they aren’t entered into a league this year, they are playing friendlies against other non-league college sides, showing great results so far!
“The first game against Exeter College we lost, which was a really tough start. Then we played Truro and Penwith College away in a nine-a side format – winning 14-9.
“We then faced Ivybridge College and lost 5-1, but it was a very competitive game. Finally we welcomed Truro and Penwith College at home – our first 11-a-side fixture – which we won 4-1, with one of our youngest players, aged 14, scoring a hat-trick!”
Next year the team will hopefully be entered into a league which will involve regular fixtures against other colleges,
“The aim is to have 25-30 girls next year and we’re well on the way to achieving that.
“The girls who initially joined the programme enjoyed it and went to tell their friends – I didn’t actively recruit, but we will hold open sessions for next year if you want to see what it’s like.”
Although it’s a relaxed informal environment, the girls are benefitting from a high level of expertise and knowledge to improve their game. Jobie has recruited a student PT who is coming in once a week to lead fitness sessions, as the girls expressed an interest in building their fitness levels.
He is also planning an analysis session each week next year which is all about raising their professional standards, which could be a very unique offering by the College team.
Jobie works at Torquay United as their Women’s Team Coach Analyst, and this offers some opportunities for successful crossover: “I have brought in our College team keeper as a photographer for Torquay United’s Women’s Team, which is a great chance for her to showcase her media skills.
“I’ve already brought in three girls this year to get involved in Torquay United’s training – and one of those players didn’t play much football before this year! And Steve Elswood, TUWFC chairman, came and watched one of our College games, so there’s always collaboration and the possibility of sharing talent.”
Student Dilay Mustafa, 17, studying Art and Design at South Devon College, said: “I wanted to join the team because football is one of my favourite sports. I have played previously and I get many benefits from it – I stay healthy, I get out my comfort zone and communicate more with people, make friends and have something to look forward to every week.”
Jobie is passionate about football and sport in general, and this shines through in his dedication to the team: “I was a student here at South Devon College, both in the High School and at the College, and to be able to come back and make a difference to these girls in the sport that I love is a huge deal for me.
“For me it’s not necessarily about winning – it’s about seeing the team in different situations and pushing themselves out of their comfort zone – I’m so proud of them! I know this programme is just going to grow and grow – we aim to be one of the best girls’ programmes in the country!”
