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We are delighted to inform you of the forthcoming Gloucestershire FA Disability Centre of Excellence trials for the 2010/11 season. The Centre of Excellence program is an integral part of The FA’s Disability player development pathway and fully supported by the FA and a direct link to the Disability England squads. The Gloucestershire Centre of Excellence currently has 3 players that have progressed to be part of the CP England squad, Partially Sight England squad and LD U18’s England Squad. The Centre trials are for talented boys aged between 10 and 18 with either physical or sensory impairments or with learning disabilities, which have a strong interest in playing football. The FA actively encouraged players to join their local FA Disability Centre of Excellence where they will be developed in a player supportive environment that adheres to Long Term Player Development principles. The centre will have some spaces that are prioritized for players with Cerebral Palsy, physical impairments and Sensory impairments. The centre is not suitable for wheelchair users or Blind players (Please see eligibility criteria for LD players below).

The trials are for Boys within the following age groups, for which the trial details are listed further below:
o Under 14’s (boys from 10 to 14 years old),
o Under 18’s (boys from 14-17 years old, players must be under 18 on the 31st August 2010).
o Tuesday 22nd June, GFA HQ Oaklands park Almondsbury Bristol BS32 4AG
o Tuesday 29th June, The University of Gloucestershire, Oxstalls Campus, Gloucester GL2 9HW
o Under 14’s 6-7pm
o Under 18’s 7.30-8.30pm

Players who attend the trials will participate in a number of football related practices and small-sided games to test their suitability for the squads. All sessions will be delivered by fully qualified coaches from the Gloucestershire FA Disability Centre of Excellence.

Players coming to the trials are asked to ensure they wear suitable clothing, footwear and shin pads as well as bringing plenty of fluids. Goalkeepers are advised to bring goalkeeping gloves if they have them. The both sets of trials will take place on astro turf. To make the most of the assessments, players are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the start time.

If selected, players should be aware that they will be required to commit to training with the Disability Centre of Excellence EVERY Tuesday for 20 weeks, starting in October 2010, and participate in fixtures against other Centre’s of Excellence on 6 Sunday’s throughout the season.

Eligibility criteria
Please note that the eligibility criteria for boys with a learning difficulty is,
o The player must have an IQ below 75
o The player must have limited adaptive behaviour, this means they might need help with everyday tasks e.g. travelling independently, managing finances
o The learning disability must have occurred before, during or shortly after birth.

View a poster for this event (link opens ina new window)

Download nomination form for this event (link opens ina new window)