The Cumbria Centre was established in 2007/08 and took part in a full time programme, with girls training and playing weekly since 2008/09 until 2010/11.
Following a restructure in The FA's Talent Development pathway, Cumberland FA has been successful in achieving a licence from The FA to deliver a Girls Player Development Centre for season 2011/12. Click here for more details.
Cumbria Girls Centre of Excellence participateds in 24 fixtures throughout the season, with Liverpool FC, Everton FC, Blackburn Rovers FC, Crewe Alexandra FC, Manchester United FC, Sunderland FC and Newcastle United FC amongst them.
The Centre runs an open recruitment policy with trials held each June, involving more than 150 girls who have been nominated by their Club or School. Girls represent Cumbria at Under 10’s, Under 12’s, Under 14’s and Under 16’s.
This is an elite programme, and the Centres across the Country are set up to identify and develop the best players in the area with a view to forming a greater talent pool for the England National teams to select from, at Under 15 and above. Cumbria has seen success at International Level with players being selected for England Training Camps at Under 15 and Under 17 with Sammie McGarry making two appearances for the England Under 15 team in friendly fixtures against The Netherlands and has recently been called up to the England Under 17 training squad.
The Centre would not have been able to begin if it was not for the hard work of the local Charter Standard Clubs and Clubs in Cumbria. The grassroots game is the foundation of all football in the Country.
The Centre of Excellence follows The FA Respect programme and the relevant Codes of Conduct followed by players, staff and parents are available to download from the related documents section.
The Nutrition Guide for the Female Footballer is a recent addition to the literature distributed to the girls at the Centre. More information can be found by clicking on the related document.
If you would like any further information, then please contact Helen Aitchison, Girls & Women’s Football Development Officer on 01900 872310 ext. 21 or alternatively e-mail Helen.Aitchison@CumberlandFA.com