The FA Disability Talent Programme
The FA Disability Talent Programme has been reviewed and restructured. The FA believes that the Programme can now offer a ‘staged’ approach to player development which is reflective of the different formats of the game played by the varying impairment groups engaged within the Pathway.
The focus for Disability Player Development Centres is on individual player development and the development of technique in young players. The delivery of Regional Impairment Specific Centres of Excellence will provide a continuation of this focus but will introduce the relevant format of the game and will prioritise the development of individual roles and responsibilities as part of wider team performance. There will of course be a focus on the continued technical and holistic development of the player throughout the entire Talent Pathway
In stage 1 (Season 11-12) The FA will co-ordinate the delivery of FA Disability Player Development Centres, and FA Regional Impairment Specific Centres for blind and partially sighted players and players with cerebral palsy.
Sheffield & Hallamshire FA have been granted a licence to deliver an FA Player Development Centre.
Sheffield & Hallamshire Disability Football Development Centre
Sheffield & Hallamshire FA have a new FA Player Development Centre for disabled in players from in and around the County FA region.
The Centre runs on Sundays from 2pm-3.30pm at Goodwin Sports Centre, Northumberland Road, Sheffield
Trials for the 2011/2012 Season will be held on Sunday 25th September 2011. Between 10 and 20 players will be selected through this process to attend the Centre through the season.
Session dates are: 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 October 2011, 6, 13, 20 & 27 November 2011, 5, 12, 19 & 26 February 2012, and 4, 11, 18 & 25 March 2012. Two of these dates will be converted to fixture dates to play games against other FA Player Development Centres.
To get further details on the trial process or any other aspect of the Development Centre sessions contact Steve Adams, Head Coach of the Sheffield & Hallamshire Disability Football Development Centre on 07815 307 657. Alternatively, you can contact Chris Bly, Senior Football Development Officer at Sheffield & Hallamshire FA on 0114 241 4992 or by sending an email to seniorfdo@sheffieldfa.com.