The FA Licensed Blackburn Rovers Centre of Excellence for girls is part of the FA talent identification programme, reflects the professional image of the ladies team by producing talented young players between the ages of 8 and 16.

The Girls train at St Bedes High School/ Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre, every Monday evening and Audley Sports Facility/ Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre on Wednesday's. Training on Saturday takes place at the Rolls Royce ground, Barnoldswick. The Girls will also be part of the new bi-weekly fixture programme to commence this season playing other centres in the region. The Centre of Excellence has four teams at, U10's, U12, U14 and U16 level.

The girls receive quality coaching from F.A qualified coaches including Adam Lakeland , who holds his UEFA 'B' Licence in Coaching. Damien Sweeney who holds his Level 2. Mark Read who holds his UEFA 'B' Licence Gemma Donnelly who is awaiting assessment for the UEFA 'B' License Coaching Award. Also, Nick Jackson-Cooney who also holds his UEFA 'B'. And Andy Ramskill who holds his Level 2. And finally, Michael Whitworth and Helen McGregor who both have their Level 2 coaching awards.

Dean Grice who is awaiting his 'A' License assessment and vast experience at Women's and Girls Football is the Director for the Centre. We also have a full-time Administrator, Gemma Donnelly, working for the Girls Centre of Excellence. Gemma is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the Centre of Excellence and possesses A BSc (Hons) in Sport Science, PGCE (pc) and is soon to be awarded an PG DIP is Sports Management.

Goalkeepers receive specialised training from top Goalkeeping coach Andy Fairman who possesses his UEFA B/UEFA B Goalkeeping, this will occur once per week. The girls can access a Sports medic - Matt Pilkington on site during training nights. Matt, is also sports Medic for the Blackburn Rovers Ladies team in the National Premier League looking after the medical needs of our award winning team. Matt liaises with Blackburn Rovers academy physiotherapists for additional support in his role. Matt is soon to commence his FA Diploma in Sports Injuries at Lilleshall.

We also have created links with students from Leeds Met University and University of Central Lancashire which provides the Centre with a Sport Psychologist and specialist athletic coach, this we believe to be unique at any Centre of Excellence.

The Centre of Excellence will play bi-weekly fixtures throughout the season against other centres within the region and at the end of the season they attend various tournaments and festivals.

We will work closely with the FA in the development of the game at grassroots, and The Centre Director this year will take on additional responsibilities to offer in-service training to clubs that wish to get involved in the Centre programme. We welcome any suggestions from local clubs and schools in which we can forge a greater working relationship.

We recommend that you ring the FA on 020 7745 4545 for more information and details on your local clubs. Our Local FA contact is Mike Nadal 01772 624000 ext 240.

Further Information:

Code of Conduct
Philosophy, Aims & Objectives
Facts Book
Long Term Player Development Women's and Girl's Football
Developing a Club Safeguarding Children Policy
Advice and Support for Those Who Have Experienced Abuse
Club Safeguarding Children Policy
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