The Centre accommodates approximately 80 players within the playing programme which challenges the skills and development of the players against other Centre’s within the North East Region and surrounding areas.
FAQ's
What is a Centre of Excellence?
A Centre of Excellence (COE) is an enhanced coaching centre for U9, U11, U13, U15 & U17 age groups. Players gain access to the COE through a trial process organised and delivered by the local organisations such as County FAs, educational establishments, football club community programmes etc. Having played schools, grassroots, and possibly PDC football the next step of The FA
girls’ talent pathway is a Centre of Excellence. Players will be accepted into a Centre of Excellence when it is appropriate for the player’s development.
Who organises the Centre of Excellence?
The COE will be run by a local organisation. They will facilitate the organisation of the Centre along with appointing coaches and managers with appropriate coaching qualifications for each age group. The COE will appoint a Centre Manager who will administer the Centre providing players and coaches with all the
necessary information relating to trials, training times and venues, kit, codes of conducts etc. The Centre Manager will be the main point of contact.
What can I expect to receive at a Centre of Excellence?
The COE will provide excellent training and support at fantastic training facilities. Every player will receive four hours per week training and a weekly regional fixture programme. Players will not be allowed to play for COEs and grassroots clubs. COEs will also play in friendly fixtures and festivals outside of the region to gain more knowledge and experience of the game. U17 age groups will compete in a national COE cup. You will be supplied with training kit and match day kit which should be worn to all training sessions and fixtures. The COE will provide you with the support required to be an elite player around all four corners of a player’s development (technical, physical, social and psychological). England scouts will be present at COE fixtures. Players can only be selected to play for England U15 / U17 if they are playing in a COE.
Where will the Centres of Excellence be located?
There will be 32 COEs spread evenly across the country. Players will attend the closest centre to where they live. The COEs will run between July and April. Centre contacts will be available at the beginning of June to identify trials. Information on your local COE can be found at: www.TheFA.com/GirlsCOE from June 2011.
How long can I stay at a Centre of Excellence?
The experienced coaches at the COE will support you in your transition from age groups should it be appropriate for you. If not, they will continue to support your development into a local PDC subject to trials or a local grassroots club.
What is the cost?
A fee will be charged per player. This will vary from Centre to Centre but will be no more than £150.00 per season.
The FA Player Agreement:
1) Every Centre of Excellence player is to be given a minimum of a one year agreement or a maximum of a two year agreement, subject to FA funding
2) A player can only leave the Centre during a
transfer window. The transfer window will be a
two week period in December and a four week
period in June
3) No Centre of Excellence can sign a player outside
of the agreement
4) Every Centre of Excellence player will be given a
half yearly review in December
Centre Contacts
Tina Stringer (Centre Manager) - Email: centremanager@sugcoe.com
Keith Leedham (Technical Director) - Email: TBC
Sheffield United Girls Centre of Excellence (SUGCOE) has it's own website: www.sugcoe.com where further information and documents can be found.
For further information please contact Gemma Gale, Girls and Women’s Football Development Officer at Sheffield & Hallamshire FA. Telephone 0114 2414992 or email gemma.gale@sheffieldfa.com