Fulham’s FA Centre of Excellence for girls, part of the FA talent identification programme, reflects the professional image of the ladies team by producing talented young players between the ages of 10 and 16.
The Girls train at Fulham Football Club’s Training Ground, Motspur Park every Friday evening. The Centre of Excellence has four teams at U10, U12, U14 and U16 level.
The girls receive quality coaching from F.A qualified coaches including Richard Gunney, Alastair Jenkinson and Michelle Jeffcoate who have their UEFA ‘B’ License Coaching Award. Nicola Carter , our Under 10’s coach is new to the Centre but has great experience of both playing and coaching in Girls football and is qualified to level 2.
This season sees the Centre recruit new volunteer assistant coaches for each age group, who include Emily Bourne, Kylie Davis and Kevin Finnerty.
Gary Mulcahey who has his ‘A’ License and vast experience at Women’s and Girls Football is the Director for the Centre. We also have a full-time Administrator, Natalia Lodge, working for the Girls Centre of Excellence.
Goalkeepers receive specialised training from top Goalkeeping coach, Martin Edwards and the girls can access a fully qualified physiotherapist on site during training nights.
The teams play in the Centre of Excellence League for the South East Region. Fulham’s home matches are played on Saturday mornings at Croygas Sports Club, Mollison Drive, Wallington, Surrey.
Other teams that Fulham girls will be competing against in the league include Arsenal, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Southampton, Reading, Colchester, Leyton Orient, Millwall, Gillingham and Watford. The league has raised the standard of play for girls by providing quality opposition every week.
The Centre has been very successful in gaining recognition at International level. Former Centre of Excellence player, Kylie Davies has played for England U17/U19’s.
Currently the Centre boasts 4 England U15 representatives who are Naomi Cole, Drew Spence, Rebecca Jane and Ruby Staplehurst.
Although we work closely with the FA in the development of the game at grassroots, we are unfortunately not in a position to take on players at our Centre of Excellence unless they have played at club level or at another centre of excellence.
We recommend that you ring the FA on 0207 745 4545 for more information and details on your local clubs. Fulham scouts do visit clubs around the country and this is generally the best way to progress through the ranks.
What the participants say:
"Mary had a great time at Fulham FC, she loves the training, loves the matches win or lose." Karen Kinsella