Manchester United midfielder Hayley Ladd is keeping her options open when it comes to what is next for her. 

While the 30-year-old is committed to helping the Red Devils get their season back on track on the pitch, off the pitch she is part of Women in Football’s Next Goal programme. 

The fully-funded programme, run in partnership with The Adecco Group and its talent solutions brand LHH, sees women’s football players work with a team of expert facilitators to discover what is possible for them in their post-playing careers. 

“I've got a range of things I'm really interested in,” she said. “They stretch from governance, to business, coaching in football as well.  

“There are lots of different things that are gaining my interest and it's great to be here and learning from other people that work in these industries, and just learn more about what it takes to be in perhaps a new workplace. 

“It is good to know what to expect, so that transition out of a football career isn't so daunting. 

“It's really, really nice to know more about them.” 

Ladd, who was born in Hertfordshire, has made more than 80 appearances for Wales and has represented Coventry City, Bristol City and Birmingham City before joining United in 2019. 

Through the programme, she will be mentored by Nicola McCullough, director of education at Ahead in Sport and the managing director of Beyond the Lights Ltd. 

Ladd added: “I'm really excited to be part of the mentorship programme here and it was actually a big reason why I wanted to join The Next Goal programme in the first place.  

“I think to learn more from women in football and just the barriers that they've overcome and the adversity they’ve faced. 

“And also just feel like you've got someone in your corner, it really gives you that confidence when you transition out of football and that you have people that you can call on to assist you. 

“I'm really excited to get started with that. 

“I think it's massively important that as women in football and players at this moment that we have to prepare for our next career.  

“I've had my years of really delving into football as a player and really enjoying that time, and now I'm a little bit older, I really enjoy the challenge of learning about different industries and really seeing what else I can achieve as a person not just as a footballer.”