The purpose of the Centres is to identify players of outstanding ability and place them in a technical and educational programme designed to produce excellence in conjunction with personal development.

The criteria for the Centres is as follows:

Staffing

  • A Centre Director will be appointed to oversee the programme of coaching and education.
  • The Centre Director will hold The FA Advanced / 'A' Licence.
  • The Centre Director must be present at all times (if this is not possible a deputy must be identified as a replacement).
  • Additional coaches will have the minimum qualification of The FA Coaching Certificate.
  • All staff will be suitably screened and registered by The Football Association.
  • All staff will be committed to a minimum of 18 hours continuing professional development per year through specific in-service training provided by The Football Association.
  • All staff to maintain a personal portfolio of their personal Continuing Professional Development Plans.
  • The coach / pupil ration will be 1 : 15.


Facilities

  • It is the responsibility of the centres of excellence to provide safe and adequate facilities.
  • The facilities must include the following:
    • Outdoor coaching areas 60 x 40 yards
    • Changing rooms / shower
    • Separate medical room
    • Either: floodlit outdoor area (minimum 50 x 30 yards) or indoor sports hall (minimum 50 x 30 yards)


Operational Requirements

  • Centres of Excellence will operate for the following age groups:
    • U12 (within 2 year age banding)
    • U14 (within 2 year age banding)
    • U16 (within 2 year age banding)
  • Registered players must receive a minimum of 1 ½ hours coaching a week.
  • Players are not permitted to travel for more than 1 ½ hours from their place of residence to the Centre.
  • A Centre must operate for a minimum of 20 weeks per year.
  • The Football Association will provide an outline of the required learning programme and provide the necessary support service to assist clubs in the delivery of their programme.


Fixtures

  • To enhance the player's development, a programme of fixtures should be seen as an integral part of the child’s development.
  • Any player registered at a Centre of Excellence must be registered with a team.
  • Each player will participate in a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 games per year (including school, club, Centre of Excellence, Representative and International matches).


Conduct

All staff, parents and players will commit themselves to and promote the Code of Conduct, as determined by The Football Association.