GIRLS' football across Somerset received a huge boost when the new FA Centre of Excellence for the South-West opened at King’s College, Taunton last weekend.

It is the first programme in the region to provide residential education and physiological support from full-time FA staff.

Chris Heayns, Head of Football at King’s, said: “This step has been taken after the FA listened to feedback from players, parents and coaches.

“A region-specific talent pathway pilot has been launched which will bring a new player-focused approach to elite female youth football, ensuring the pathway is accessible, supportive and educational.

“The pilot will ensure a player’s development, health and well-being are at the forefront of the programme, and aims to support elite players as they strive to reach world-class level.

“The new Centre of Excellence will allow players to play at more appropriate levels of the game and reduce travel time for training and matches, ensuring that more time and focus are invested in the region’s elite players.

“By hosting the Centre of Excellence, King’s College is further developing the its involvement in girls’ sporting opportunity and excellence, with the wider community.

“I am delighted that we have been able to accommodate this exciting new pilot and further develop the excellent link we have with the FA at county and now national levels.

“This new structure provides a clear pathway for aspirational female footballers from throughout the region and will improve the opportunities for that pool of female athletic talent that we all know exists in our region.”

Headmaster Richard Biggs said: “This development underlines the school’s pre-eminence in the world of girls’ football in this part of the world and I am thrilled that we will be playing such a pivotal role in the local development of this rapidly growing sport.

“We have excellent training facilities here and I am delighted that we will be making these available to the wider community and in particular to the enthusiastic and talented girl footballers in this region.”

King’s is also working with Somerset County FA to offer participation football through the FA Vauxhall Football MASH Up programme with a weekly girls-only session.

For more information contact Chris Heayns at CJHeayns@kings-taunton.co.uk