The FA Centre of Excellence at Staffordshire FA works in partnership with The FA and Stoke City FC to offer the opportunity for footballers aged 10–17 to participate at the Centre each season. Every summer, all players, regardless of if they have played for the Centre before or not, are invited to attend a trial period with the hope of them being offered the opportunity to join the Centre for the following season. The Centre of Excellence are also keen to offer the opportunity to trial players during the season as well, with 4 week trials being offered to players recommended to the Centre, or to players who may have been spotted by one of the coaches whilst playing for their school, local club or at events organised by the Staffordshire FA.
The purpose of The Football Association Programme for Excellence is to identify players of outstanding ability and place them in a Technical and Educational programme designed to produce football excellence in conjunction with personal development. The Centre of Excellence trains once a week and play regular fixtures during the season against other Disability Centres of Excellence throughout the Midlands including Birmingham, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire & Rutland and Nottingham.
The Centre of Excellence employ’s a number of Staff to support every player’s development including a Centre Director, Administrator, Physiotherapist, and coaches to oversee the 2 age groups, Under 14s and Under 17s. All coaches are qualified FA Level 2 coaches or above.
Every season, the Centre continues to grow and increase the opportunities available for football players within the County. The Centre, based at Stoke City FC is Staffordshire’s only FA Licensed Disability Centre of Excellence and provides a link between local activities and local schools and clubs and The FA’s National set up for players with impairments such as Blind, Partially Sighted, Deaf, Hearing Impaired, Cerebral Palsy, Learning Difficulties and Amputees.
Hopefully in seasons to come, more of the players coming through the Staffordshire FA Centre of Excellence will have the opportunity to show what they can do in front of The FA’s National coaches and scouts.
For further information with regards to the FA Centre of Excellence, please contact Jamie Leaning, Disability Community Sports Coach on 07800619884, jamie.leaning@staffordshirefa.com or Dean Latham, Head Coach on 07746543770.