Two former Writtle Minors Girls players ‘returned home’ recently, as representatives from the Essex County FA Girls Centre of Excellence visited the FA Charter Standard Community Club to deliver an ‘In-Service’ Coaching Event.
Set-up to help build positive relationships with local clubs and their players, the event saw 45 girls aged 8-16 enjoy a morning of coaching sessions which were delivered by the Centre’s staff, including Technical Director Steve Downey. Ex-Writtle Minors Imogen Riches and Madison Hooper, who now both play for the Centre of Excellence, assisted with the sessions and also took part in a question and answer session with the players.
Imogen shared her experiences and spoke of the opportunities she was exposed to, such as being involved in an England set-up, something which would never have been possible whilst playing for a grassroots club. Madison spoke about the weekly routine of training and fixtures, including what it was like to play against the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.
Whilst the players were being put through their paces, their parents attended a presentation delivered by Centre Manager Sharon Brownlie. The content comprised of an overview of the Centre of Excellence programme and details on next season’s trials.
She explained: “From our perspective, it was extremely refreshing to be able to go into a club and have access to their players and parents to talk with. Clubs can sometimes see FA Centres of Excellence as a potential threat, but it was really good to see the club’s hierarchy and coaches being so supportive in providing their players with the opportunity to find out information on what is available to them should they wish to take their football to the next level.”
To find out more about the Essex County FA Female Centre of Excellence, visit www.essexfa.com.
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