We are delighted to announce that we will be relaunching the Boys Development Centre (BDC) for the 2024/25 season, for boys aged U9 to U12. The centre will specially focus on individual development, and will provide a professional environment to allow players to reach their full potential. 

What Is The Boys Development Centre?

The Gloucestershire FA Boys Development Centre programme is designed to support the development and progression of young male players in Gloucestershire.

The programme will provide supplementary support for selected players with an additional night’s training each week to their grassroots clubs’ provision, allowing players to continue playing for their grassroots club. This pathway ensures that the players’ development, health and well-being is at the forefront of the programme.

The sessions will centre on the England DNA with a focus on the key attributes and skills of the Future England Player, whereby Coaches will work with individual players across The FA Four Corners Model: Technical/Tactical, Physical, Social and Psychological.

Our Technical Programme

In collaboration with Coach Development company e-CAN Ltd, we have designed a new Technical Programme which, for the younger age groups, will focus on the FUNdamentals of Movement (Agility, Balance, Co-Ordination, Speed) and Falling in love with the Ball (Ball Mastery!) within a 3v3 training games initiative.

As children progress into the 7v7 and 9v9 formats of Football, the programme will focus on the Principles of Invasion Games, Individual Skill Development (The 6 x Capabilities) and more position specific practices.

Who Is The Programme For And When/Where Will The Sessions Take Place?

The Development Centre will provide opportunities for players in the age groups from U9s to U12s. All sessions will be based at Gloucestershire FA, Oaklands Park, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4AG on the 3G Football Pitch and will take place on Tuesday evenings as detailed below.

All age groups: 6.00pm – 7.00pm

The Development Centre will provide a 24-week training programme for selected players commencing on 3rd September 2024 and running to the 18th March 2025.

How Do We Get Involved?

We will be operating an open trial on Wednesday 26th of June. Please see times below:

Wednesday 26th June 2024
U9s & U10s trial - 5:30pm - 6:45pm
U11s & U12s trial - 7:15pm - 8:30pm

Click here to sign up. This form must be completed by the 14th of June. Trial confirmation will be sent out w/c 17th June 2024 

Note: Due to only hosting one trial night this season, we are limited to the amount of boys that can sign up for each age group. Trial places will be offered on a first come first served basis.

Anyone that misses out on a trial place, will be added to a waiting list and contacted if a place becomes available. We may also look to provide additional dates depending on demand.

For players selected to join the Gloucestershire FA Boys Development Centre they will be invited to attend a 24-week training programme. The cost of the 4-week programme will be £160. 

If you have any queries regarding the Boys Development Centre, please contact Jacob: Jacob.Owers@GloucestershireFA.com