The Cumbria Centre forms a major part of the FA’s female player pathway and adheres to the long term player development philosophy (LTPD). Girls are given the opportunity to develop within a structured environment under the guidance of high quality FA qualified coaches who use the latest coaching methods.
FA scouts regularly monitor the girls’ progress with a view to exceptional players going on to attend regional camps and hopefully selection into National squads.
More than 180 girls attended the trials held at Frenchfields in July 2008. The standard was very high over the four trial sessions, which demonstrates the continued development of girl’s football in Cumbria over the past few years.
The Centre has girls coming from all areas of the county with girls traveling from Carlisle, West Cumbria, Kendal and Barrow.
During the season of 2008/2009 the Centre will consist of 4 squads, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16. The squads will train at the University of Cumbria and will take part in a 20 match fixture programme with games taking place on a Saturday. Opposition will include FA Centres within the North West area including Liverpool, Everton, and Blackburn, amongst others with the first fixture in September against Curzon Ashton.