FOOTBALL: Local football coaches have the chance to help players progress through the FA’s Elite Female Player Pathway at the Essex County FA Girls Centre of Excellence, with applications for new faces invited before Friday  May 2.

Last year the Essex County FA were awarded one of 31 exclusive Centre of Excellence licenses by The FA.

Nearly 80 players aged 7-17 are now accommodated within the playing programme and their skills and development will again be challenged against other centres within the South-East, including clubs such as Chelsea and Arsenal.

The set-up, based at the Shrub End Sports & Community Centre in Colchester, has since gone on to make huge progress during its first season.

The intention is to maintain this success in 2014/15 by adding to the wealth of experience and knowledge amongst the existing staff and continuing to guide the players in the right direction.

The programme carried on from the previous excellent work of the previous licence holders since 1998, the Colchester United Community Sports Trust since 1998, and it has seen many talented footballers emerge to link-up with England Under 15s, 17s, 19s and 23s squads.

Successful applicants for these coaching positions will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the Elite Female Player Pathway which these players utilised.