During 2008/09 Season, the COE played 23 fixtures at under 10, under 12, under 14, and under 16 age level within The FA South West Regional fixture programme and against other Centres of Excellence in England that also hold an FA licence.
FA officials and talent scouts attended at COE training sessions, match fixtures and at The FA South West Regional Talent Camp trials, held in Bristol, where Five Girls from u14 and u16 squads were selected to attend. Attendance at these Regional trials gave an opportunity for England National Youth Squad selection at under 15 and under 17 years of age. Four Girls from the COE were also selected to represent Wiltshire County under 18 Women’s team, and attendance and selection from the COE enabled a player to attend Chelsea College and be admitted on the player pathway to Chelsea Women’s Football Club.
Wiltshire County FA COE held its first ever ‘End of Season Presentation Awards Evening’ on Saturday 2nd May 2009 and a coach outing was also made to watch the exciting 2-1 Arsenal victory against Sunderland in The FA Women’s Cup Final, held at Derby County FC on Monday 4th May 2009.
The 2009/10 COE Playing Season continued in raising standards. Eight Girls attended The FA Regional Talent Camp Trials held at Eggbuckland, Plymouth from under 14’s and under 16’s squads. Six Girls were selected for the successful Wiltshire County u18’s Women’s team and, in addition, one u14 player’s performance is currently being tracked by England National Scouts. The u12’s squad achieved a top 10 Position, nationally, in YoYo fitness testing and also, there were very good marks awarded to Wiltshire County FA COE following visits by FA Representatives to inspect Administration and COE Technical programme. Players that have left the COE, being above16 years of age have advanced their career prospects with two players attending Chelsea College and with several Girls able to play at a high level in English Female football.
An ‘End of Season Presentation Awards Evening’ was held at Premier Club in Swindon, and an annual coach outing was made to The FA Women’s Cup Final, to watch Everton overcome Arsenal 3-2 at Nottingham Forest FC.
The 2010/11 Season is now underway following completion of COE Main Trials being held in June, and a pre-season meeting in August. Although Main playing squad numbers have been selected, throughout the Season additional talented and gifted female football players of appropriate age are most welcome to attend a Football Trial. Such as an ‘up to six weeks Trial’ or a Mid-Season Trial which is usually held in January of each playing year.
Players at the Centre of Excellence for Girls are provided with two training sessions during the week (Tuesday and Thursday Evenings) and training takes place at St Josephs Catholic College, Swindon.
Wiltshire County FA COE Fixtures are played within The FA South West Regional COE Match Fixture Programme and Home Match Fixtures take place on a Saturday morning at Stanley Park in Chippenham.
Wiltshire County FA Centre of Excellence is pleased to offer opportunities for all talented and gifted female footballers in Wiltshire to attend a pre-season main trial, a mid-season trial or a six-week trial at Wiltshire County FA Centre of Excellence for Girls. In supporting all female footballers in the County of Wiltshire, at and above a local level, Wiltshire County FA Centre of Excellence for Girls offers the only route for talented and gifted female footballers in the County to represent their Country at under 15 and under 17 years of age.
If you are female and eligible for under 10, under 12, under 14 or under 16 squad age groups (age qualifying date is 1st September each year) and you are interested in attending a trial at Wiltshire County FA Centre of Excellence for Girls, please register your interest by contacting Rod Carter at the Wiltshire County FA Office on 01793 486047 or via e-mail Rod.Carter@wiltshirefa.com
Additional information about the Centre of Excellence for Girls can also be obtained from Barry Pocock, Centre Director, on 07810 652493