Girls Centre of Excellence Fixtures

Following a lengthy and robust application process, Brighton & Hove Albion FC Girls' Centre of Excellence has been awarded an FA License for the 2011-2012 season.

This year, the number of Centres of Excellence was limited to just 30 across the entire country. Brighton's inclusion is recognition of the hard work and commitment of all involved, as Albion managing director Ken Brown acknowledges.

He told segaulls.co.uk, "Albion is embarking on what promises to be a momentous era in the club's history, with the opening of the new American Express Community Stadium and the continued success of the first team.

"Our partnership with the Brighton & Hove Albion FC Girls' Centre of Excellence forms a vital part of our desire to forge ever closer links with our community, to nurture talent and foster greater football participation."

The Centre of Excellence has been running very successfully for over 12 years, producing many talented female players, some of whom have been selected for England training camps and youth teams, like Darcey James from the Under-19s.

James said, "It's fantastic news for the centre, which has played a huge part in my own development as a player, and it's great that more girls will be able to benefit from the opportunities it provides."

Following confirmation of the new license, the coaching team for the Brighton Centre of Excellence has also been strengthened with the appointment of Alex Twitchen as centre director.

Having worked in coaching for nearly 25 years, Alex brings a wealth of experience to the centre and is committed to fostering a player-centred philosophy in which every player is given the best opportunity to develop their full potential.

Twitchen said, "I'm passionate about the importance of a developmental approach and the role that well-organised, effective coaching can have in the development of players both as footballers and as people."

The Centre of Excellence is one of 30 FA accredited programmes in the country and the only FA Licensed Centre within Sussex.

It provides training opportunities for players aged 8-17 years, and has teams at Under-11, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 level that compete in the London and South East Centre of Excellence fixture programme, which includes Arsenal, Chelsea, Colchester United, Gillingham, Middlesex, Millwall & Lewisham and Norwich City.

For further information about the Brighton & Hove Albion FC Girls' Centre of Excellence, please contact centre manager, Michelle Lawrence on 01273 878288.