Deans Youth and Ladies

Last February, the Salford-based grassroots football club Deans Youth and Ladies had yet another ex-player named in an international squad.

Upon Emily Ramsey’s inclusion in England’s Arnold Clark Cup squad last year, the Everton goalkeeper joined Ryan Giggs and Dean Holden on the list of players who have graduated from the Eccles-based club before going on to achieve a call-up.

In a recent interview with England Football, Ramsey reflected on her time playing grassroots football in Salford.

The goalkeeper highlighted that she “played for the boy’s team in the older age group” alongside her brother. Ramsey joined the club at six years old.

With the side needing a goalkeeper at the time, Ramsey was pushed to go in goal for the side, following a trial at Manchester United she was offered a place at the Manchester United Centre of Excellence.

Despite being offered a place after a successful trial, the goalkeeper remained at the Salford grassroots side for another season.

Ramsey explained that she had “felt too nervous to join Manchester United” and therefore stayed playing in goal for the boy’s team for another year before accepting an offer. She left Deans Youth and Ladies at the age of eight.

Since leaving the grassroots club, Ramsey has gone on to make senior appearances for Manchester United, Birmingham and Everton, her performances for the Toffees secured her call-up.

Deans Youth and Ladies
England and Everton’s Emily Ramsey pictured with Deans Youth and Ladies club chairman Stephen Lockett and club sec David McGrath at the Manchester FA Grassroots awards.

Founded by Dennis Schofield in 1964, the club is now run by a team of over 50 volunteers. Deans Youth and Ladies is home to 24 teams with more than 300 players.

If you are interested in registering a player to play for a club with international lineage, the club’s contact details are available on the website:

Deans youth and Ladies website

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