FA recognition for the Oxford United's Girls' Centre of Excellence
Oxford United’s Girls' Centre of Excellence has gained FA national recognition for its consistent and outstanding delivery and commitment to the FA Girls’ Centre of Excellence programme.
The Centre of Excellence, based in Roman Way, has five teams from under 9s through to under 17s which train three times a week, focusing on developing the best young local players to go on and play for our Women’s Super League First and Development teams while also helping to develop girl’s and women’s football in general.
The hard work has led to a fantastic reward for the staff and players with the FA commending the Centre and offering all of the players and staff VIP tickets to the Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on August 1st.
Kay Cossington the England National Women’s Coach (U15s) & National Development Managerat the FA said
“The Centre has been selected as VIP guests to the FA Women’s Cup Final for consistent and outstanding delivery and commitment to the FA Girls’ Centre of Excellence programme.
“The club shows desire and ambition to support the girls and ensures they are professional in their approach to the development of young female players. We would like to thank Oxford United for their commitment and hope that the players and coaches enjoy the day.”
Richard Blackmore, Girls' Centre of Excellence Manager and Women’s General Manager was delighted to receive the accolade, saying:
“It’s a great reward for all of the hard work that goes on, not just only within the Girls' Centre of Excellence, but at the whole club and everyone’s attitude towards our female programmes.
“The FA continuously monitor and support us, so to get such positive feedback is a fantastic achievement, not just by the staff and players here but also from everyone throughout Oxford United.
“The Women’s FA Cup Final being at Wembley this year makes it a very special occasion and we are really looking forward to that day.”
Mark Ashton, Oxford United CEO, said:
“It is a fitting reward for Richard, Les Taylor and all the people behind the scenes at the Centre of Excellence. It is such a positive place and is producing fantastic results. There are more and more of our players being called into international squads,which shows the regard we are held in, and we are seeing the benefits of a thriving Centre of Excellence feeding into the Women’s first team where some of our bright young players are making their mark.
“I’m sure they will all thoroughly enjoy their day at Wembley and we know they will be the perfect ambassadors for Oxford United.”
The Girls Centre of Excellence is holding trials through the month of June 2015, any players wishing to take part can contact Johnny Edmunds on jedmunds@oufc.co.uk