SOMERSET FA GIRLS ADVANCED COACHING CENTRE
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Advanced Coaching
Centre?
The FA Advanced Coaching Centre is a supplementary training and games
programme, supporting talented female players at county level.
It will provide talented young female players throughout Somerset and it’s surrounding
areas with weekly additional training and matches.
What age Groups will the
Advanced Coaching Centre run
for?
Any female player that qualifies for U10, U12, U14, or U16 age groups will qualify to
trial for the Advanced Coaching Centre.
When will the training take
place?
Training will take place once a week, on Wednesday evenings at Strode College
Sports Centre, Street.
Will players in the Advanced
Coaching Centre also play
matches?
Yes. The Advanced Coaching Centre will play a minimum of 6 matches a season
against the other Advanced Coaching Centre’s in the South West.
If players are successful in
gaining a place in the Advanced
Coaching Centre, can they still
play for their club team?
Yes. Players within an Advanced Coaching Centre will have to be registered and
playing/training for a local girls or mixed grassroots team, in order to maximise their
development opportunity.
Should clubs have female players who also play and train within the Somerset
FA Advanced Coaching Centre, clubs will be under obligation to allow their
players to play in ALL Advanced Coaching Centre fixtures and South West
Centre of Excellence fixtures (should the player be selected).
Most fixtures will take place on weekdays within half term weeks so shouldn’t clash
with grassroots football but there may be some fixtures that take place on a weekend.
South West Centre of Excellence Camps will take place on the first weekend of every
month throughout the season.
When will the trials take place
for the Advanced Coaching
Centre?
All trials are held in the month of July. See exact dates on paperwork within this pack.
How do I nominate players from
my club for the Advanced
Coaching Centre?
All details on the trials and how to nominate are enclosed within this pack.
Will my players still have the
opportunity to progress through
the England Talent Pathway?
Of course. The Advanced Coaching Centre sits within the FA Girls England Talent
Pathway (see diagram below). The pathway is inclusive, allowing players to play at
more appropriate levels, reduce travel time for training and matches and allow more
focused and invested time to the elite players.
Please return forms to: Aaron Clements, Somerset FA, Charles Lewin House, Unit 10 Landmark House, Wirral
Business Park, Glastonbury, BA6 9FR
The most talented players from within the Advanced Coaching Centre’s in the South
West will have the opportunity to attend the FA Girls South West Regional Centre of
Excellence Camp and represent the South West Region. These are run by FA
National staff and will be a two day residential training camp that will take place 5/6
times a season. The camps will involve training plus matches against other Centre’s
of Excellences from around the country.
Please see below for the FA Girls England Talent Pathway:
What is the postcode address of
the trial location?
Strode College Sports Centre, Street - BA16 0AB
What do we bring to trials?
Clothing suitable for sport and the weather at the time of the trial (wet weather/hot
weather). Shin pads, plenty of water based drink and footwear suitable for the 3G
pitch. All trials will take place on a rubber crumb 3G Astroturf.
How many trials should I
attend?
As many as you possibly can. The more we see you play the more feedback we have
which helps us select the squad.
What if I can only make one
trial?
No problem. Just complete your form and indicate how many trials you can attend.
What if I am away for all the trial
dates?
Contact Aaron in the main office to discuss this. We may be able to trial you during
pre-season or at the start of the season instead (depending on squad sizes selected).
Can I return the form
electronically?
Yes, please send this to [email protected]
What time do I need to turn up?
Please arrive 15 – 30 minutes before your trial time (as highlighted for your age
group) so that you have time to find the venue and register your attendance.
PLEASE NOTE THAT PLAYERS WILL NOT BE CONTACTED TO CONFIRM
THEIR TRIAL PLACE. THEREFORE ONCE THEY HAVE APPLIED, ALL THEY
NEED TO DO IS TURN UP TO TRIALS ON THE DATES THEY HAVE
COMMITTED TO.
Who do I contact for further
information?
Aaron Clements: Tel 01458 832359 or email [email protected]
Please note all trials are subject to Somerset FA being awarded an FA Licence.
Please return forms to: Aaron Clements, Somerset FA, Charles Lewin House, Unit 10 Landmark House, Wirral
Business Park, Glastonbury, BA6 9FR