A Disability (Inclusive) Centre of Excellence and Development Centre run alternative weeks, on Saturday mornings, at Holmes Park, home of the County Football Association. The Centre’s currently provide the opportunity for youngsters and adults alike and aim to develop both the social and football skills of players in attendance.
The aim of the Centre of Excellence is to identify players, who through being part of the programme, we feel have the potential to develop into an Elite player. Regular trials are held giving players the opportunity to become involved. Most of the players that currently attend are involved with one of several Local Inclusive Clubs/ Partnerships that are up and running around the City & County. The Centre of Excellence runs for players at U14’s & U17’s.
The season 2007/08 has seen the development of a Regional FA Midlands Centre of Excellence Disability Fixture Programme, which involves other Centre’s across the Midlands from Birmingham, Staffordshire and Northamptonshire and it is anticipated
Nottinghamshire will be part of the programme for the season 2008/09.
Talent identification is ongoing and players are welcome to attend the Centre for trials by prior arrangement with coaching staff. The Head Coach will encourage and sign post players to participate at the appropriate level, ensuring every footballer is given the opportunity to play the National Game.
Of course, the ultimate aim, as with any Centre of Excellence ran by the Football Association is to develop future players who may have the potential to represent England. The Football Association runs 8 International Teams for players with a variety of disabilities:
Blind, Partially Sighted, Women’s Deaf and Hearing Impaired, Men’s Deaf and Hearing Impaired, Cerebral Palsy, Learning Disabilities U17’s and Seniors and Amputee’s.
Please see our link www.thefa.com/England
The above Centre’s are mainly for Male players, but opportunities will be given for Females to attend a Centre of Excellence within Leicestershire in the near future.
There are opportunities for Female Footballers in the City & County through our network of Inclusive Clubs & partnerships.
For further information please contact:
Mary Rudkin – Football Development Officer (Disability)
Tel: 0116 2844952 Mobile: 07752 746229
mary.rudkin@leicestershirefa.com
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