The Essex FA, in partnership with Tesco, host Skills Centre for young footballers across the county

New Skills Centres launched

Lee Power Monday, March 4, 2013
12:14 PM

Essex FA increase after-school programme

FA Tesco Skills Coach Lauren Phillips is looking forward to the launch of two brand new after-school ‘Skills Centres’.

The new sessions will take place on Mondays at Cedar Hall in Thundersley and St Clere’s in Stanford-le-Hope which have been introduced so children aged 5-11 can improve their football skills in a fun environment with friends.

These join other centres at Barking’s Mayesbrook Park, among others, and Phillips hopes children will stay on school grounds that bit longer to enjoy football with mates and FA-qualified, specialist coaches.

The Monday sessions at Cedar Hall will run during term time from 5-6pm for pupils in years 1-3 and years 4-6.

The same timings apply at St Clere’s on Wednesdays and the sessions offer extra football on the same night each week in addition to normal club training.

Phillips said: “Cedar Hall has a fantastic, recently-built 9v9 3G facility so we’re trying to develop a disability section there too.

“We want to help build links with our increasing and ongoing work to provide opportunities for all.”

A Disability Skills Centre has been set-up to run in conjunction with the open access session, and Phillips added: “A recent review of the work we do identified Southend, Rochford, Rayleigh and Benfleet as areas we could target to spread our programme.

“We’re looking forward to the task of increasing our support in schools, clubs and Skills Centres across Essex.”

With support and funding from The FA, Tesco and Sport England, the Skills Centres cater for all abilities - from beginners to more experienced players - and provide the chance for children to develop technically, psychologically, physically and socially, in line with the FA coaching model.

Each session costs just £1.50 per week. To book a place visit www.thefa.com/tescoskills.

Places are limited, and if you have any questions contact your local Skills Coach via www.essexfa.com or call Phillips on 07931 126809 or email lauren.phillips@thefa.com.

Essex’s FA Tesco Skills Centres

Barking FC (Mayesbrook Park)

Mondays from 4-5pm and 5-6pm (for 5-11 year olds).

Skills Coach: Rob O’Brien 07943 862303

E-Mail: rob.obrien@thefa.com

Disability Skills Centre, Southend (Cedar Hall School)

Mondays from 4-5pm

Skills Coach: Lauren Phillips 07931 126809

E-Mail: lauren.phillips@thefa.com

Southend (Cedar Hall School)

Mondays from 5-6pm (Years 1-3 and Years 4-6)

Skills Coach: Lauren Phillips 07931 126809