The centre operates across four age groups, U10, U12, U14 and U16, and all compete in a regional fixture programme most Saturdays.
Northamptonshire falls in the South-East and Northampton Town will play fixtures against the other teams twice a year, home and away against the following teams; Cambridge Utd, Arsenal, Colchester Utd, Leyton Orient, Luton Town, MK Dons, Norwich City, Watford and Ipswich Town.
Some free weekends are planned so that centres can arrange fixtures with other centres from other regions such as Everton, Nottingham Forest or Liverpool.
Additionally, the Centre of Excellence staff must all have a minimum of a FA Level 2 coaching certificate, and girls receive two training sessions per week from these coaches. One of these sessions is more fitness based and the other more football based. A specialist Goalkeeping coach is also employed to develop the goalkeepers at the Centre.
The staff receive tow In-service coaching events per year delivered by The FAs Regional Coach Development team. In addition, each centre has to meet tough regulations each year to receive its license. The centres are visited and assessed twice a year to ensure they are meeting the requirements.
Centre players can also play for their County and School, but not for any other girls team, even during summer tournaments. Centres are now starting to organise their own summer tournaments and tours to provide further playing opportunities outside of the season.
FAQs about the Centre of Excellence Programme
Can a player play for a grassroots club and a centre team?
No – She can only play for the Centre, the County and her school. Players in grassroots clubs may not train or play for a centre UNLESS they are on trial and during that time, they may not play for their club side. Players in grassroots clubs may attend the Player Development Centre in addition to their club football.
How do I trial for a place?
Each year the Centre will hold trials for new players and will promote this on their website www.ntfc.tv and via our website. If you are recommended for a trial during the season, you need to contact the Centre Director, Stephen Healy on Stephen.healy@ntfc.tv.
How different is it to my club team?
The Centre trains twice a week at Sixfields stadium. Each team has two coaches, both of whom hold at least the FA level 2 coaching certificate, if not level 3. The coaches are selected and trialed just as the players are. The Centre also has to follow an annual training programme, conduct regular fitness testing and submit results to the National FA and all players have to keep a daily record of their physical activity, just as an international player would be expected to do.
Is there a lot of travel?
Yes, there is a fair bit of travelling, with away games sometimes taking up the whole day. But if you aspire to play at the top level, this is to be expected.
Is there a Social side to the teams there?
Each team has a good rapport. The club holds its own team days and events with each team organising their own social activities. Players come together from different areas of the County and therefore have not necessarily grown up together so teamwork and development is important to encourage.
Does it improve my chances of playing international football?
Playing at International level is every player’s dream but with more centres and more competition, the standards are getting higher. By playing at a centre, some talented players may well get the chance to attend a regional talent camp where England scouts have a look at players, and sometimes scouts will come to watch games. The Centre programme is starting to show results though with the U17 squad currently having players from a variety of clubs.
For more information, visit the Centre of Excellence website by clicking here.