Calne FC Player Development Centre was launched as a plan for revolutionising the development of each and every player to the benefit first and foremost of each individual and secondly team performance across all age
groups. The plan supports the Football Association’s initiatives to ‘nurture the beautiful game’ by placing more emphasis on players developing their skills and
technique rather than just the ability to win matches as a team.

At the heart of Calne FC Player Development Centre is an individual assessment methodology that identifies major strengths and weaknesses of all players and a
subsequent follow-up programme of development. This will be supported by some major partners that include Springfields School Sports College, Beversbrook Sports
Facility and The John Bentley School

The background to the launch of the Player Development Centre is set against years of under achievement at the highest level in the National game resulting in Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA’s Director of Football Development admitting that the Academy system had failed and should be dismantled. Further more, the FA officially recognised that this systemic failure goes back to grassroots level and on Friday 27th June 2008 it was announced in all the major press that ‘FA bans under-eights’ football leagues to nurture beautiful game’ (Guardian Friday 27 June 2008).

The FA said that the ban was brought in due to “the urgent need to improve skills and techniques among young English players”. Officials went on to say that the pressure to win leagues was more often for the satisfaction of parents and coaches than the
children.

Calne Player Development Centre will support the development of over 200 players of all age groups from u6 to u18s currently registered with Calne FC and serve as a learning forum for all coaches to share and exchange ideas in the development of skills and techniques of their players.

If you require more information on the Calne FC Player Development Centre please contact your team manager or Alphie Archer on alphonsoarcher@gmail.com.