The Jersey FA Capita Centre of Excellence have recently completed the screening process of around 90 girls who were recommended by their Schools and Clubs – 45 were selected to attend weekly coaching sessions providing three squads at U12, U14 and U16 age groups.
Centre Director Paul Renton said “It was very encouraging to see so many girls attend the screening evenings. Due to the quality on display, the players made it extremely difficult for us to select the three groups to join the Centre.
"In the past three seasons I have seen a gradual increase in playing standards as more and more girls are provided with opportunities to play the game. Also during that period more female coaches have been attending coaching courses and giving up their time to support player development. We now have seven qualified female members of staff who are tremendous role models for the girls within the Centre.
"A great deal of work goes into the selection process and I would like to thank all the parents, teachers and coaches who have been so supportive. Once again I would like to thank the groundstaff at Les Quennevais Sports Centre for ensuring the sessions went ahead on excellent pitches despite the difficult weather conditions”
Jersey FA Football Development Manager Brian Oliver said “Growth and retention is one of the key goals in the long term strategy of the Jersey FA - we believe the Centre of Excellence plays a very important role in keeping youngsters within the game.
"For a number of years we have been developing the Centre to provide equal opportunities for both male and female players and coaches. We are therefore delighted that this season, for the first time, we have three groups of boys and girls being coaches by qualified male and female coaches.
"The work at the Centre on top of all that is provided within Schools, Clubs and within the League is crucial in embedding basic skills, enhancing enjoyment, developing healthy lifestyles and creating the next generation of talented players.”
The selected girls for the 2009/10 season are:
Year 6 and 7: Jodie Blampied, Ella Brennand, Taise De Gruchy, Kimberley Dixon, Lucy Even, Elizabeth Fenlon, Torie Fenlon, Fatima Fernandes, Gigi Cooke, Alexandra Johnson, Sara Luce, Anya Le Monnier, Storm Macevoy, Khaya Pubus, Ellie Thackeray, Lia Whitnell.
Year 8 and 9: Dayni Bell, Lucy Bevis, Angel Elliot, Shannon Gorbally, Tessa Leatherbarron, Lily Le Brocq, Juliette Le Quere, Teegan McCurdy, Holly Muirhead, Shannon O'Neal, Siobhan O'Regan, Sophie Powell, Samantha Silva, Heidi Smith, Taye Yiadom.
Year 10 and 11: Rosheda Belhomme, Sophie Botterill, Lauren Buesnel, Cassie Deveraux, Sophie Fernandes, Ciara Giles, Catrina Gomes, Lucy Gomes, Amber Hopwood, Leanne McNott, Jody Powell, Alex Rombaut, Shannon Ryan, Paige Santos.
Coaching Staff: Paul Renton (Centre Director), Michelle Bichard, Jodie Botterill, Krystle Matthews, Lisa McLaughlin, Candice Parsons, Laura Robertson, Kerry Sauvage.