Girls

Welcome

Girls Centre of Excellence

The Oxford United Girls Centre of Excellence was formed in 2007 and is now one of only 30 organisations that have been granted a further one year license to run a Centre of Excellence for the season 2011/2012.

Following the recent reorganisation of the FA's Girls Centre of Excellence and PDC process Oxford United Football Club is one of 30 Centre's throughout England that are han integral part of The FA's female player development pathway which is the pinnacle hfrom which Youth International players are selected.

This improved FA Girls' Talent Development pathway will have long term sustainability, will support the entry route into the Centres at grassroots, develop grassroots clubs at younger age groups and will also provide women's teams with well educated and better equipped players.

The Centre of Excellence develops teams at Under 9 (PDC), Under 11, Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17 levels.

The Centre also works very closely with the Oxford United Academy and Oxford United Ladies providing opportunities for the girls to progress further.The Centre itself draws on the skills and experience of a variety of people from Oxford United including the coaching, medical, welfare and administrative staff.

The Philosophy, Aims and Objectives of the Oxford United Centre of Excellence are as follows:-

PHILOSOPHY

The establishment of 30 centres throughout England are an integral part of the Football Associations female player development pathway and is the pinnacle from which our Youth International players are selected.

The 'Philosophy' of each centre is to disseminate both technical and theoretical information to each player stimulating the players learning. To this end, the precept must be to promote a player centred approach allowing the 'game to be the teacher' when appropriate and encompass the principles of LTPD (Long Term Player Development) as set out in the FA LTPD Introductory Guide.

Therefore, each centre must consider the needs of each player and take account of their developmental stage from a growth, development and maturation perspective and implement a programme to develop young players who have and can maximise their potential in the short but ultimately in the longer term.

AIMS:

- To identify and recruit the most talented girls, within the locality (1 1/2 hours) of the Centre of Excellence

- To provide quality coaching, education and welfare at all age groups, and at all levels

- To enhance player development, incorporating the principles of LTPD, providing individuals with both technical, physiological, psychological and social knowledge to achieve their full potential

-To identify, recruit and develop the most talented coaches within the locality of the Centre of Excellence

-To develop a pool of qualified coaches at all levels available to the Centre

-To implement a comprehensive Coach Mentoring Strategy for the development of female coaches

- To work closely with the international teams to make sure any potential international player has the opportunity to be scouted

- To be advocates for and 'live' best practice in terms of developing female players, officials and coaches in line with The FA's Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures

OBJECTIVES:

- To develop players to a standard consistent with the highest levels in women's football

- To recommend players for national U15 and U17 selection if deemed at the appropriate standard

- To establish squads for Under 9s, Under 11s, Under 13s, Under 15s and Under 17s age groups

- To establish a challenging and structured technical programme, incorporating the principles of LTPD, which is to be followed by all coaching staff

- To provide a suitable games programme for all age groups

Oxford United Centre of Excellence Structure:

Les Taylor - Centre of Excellence Technical Director

Richard Blackmore - Centre of Excellence Manager

Tim Roberts - Assistant Centre of Excellence Manager

Tim Roberts - Under 17's Head Coach
Chris Lowes - Under 17's Assistant Coach

Lee Hayes - Under 15's Head Coach
Zoe Hill - Under 15's Assistant Coach