The Girls Development Centre programme is coming to an end for another season. The Under-12 squad had a recent game against the Devon Girls League Representative Squad. A very close game saw the Exeter Girls run out 4-3 winners. However, these games are used to further the players development and the result is always of secondary importance. The girls are encouraged to play short passing football and not to be frightened of trying to play out from the back when under pressure - sometimes this approach can lead to mistakes and conceded goals. However, the Centre's philosophy is to create an atmosphere where the players are comfortable trying things out on the pitch. It is important that they are not allowed to become despondent if they fail, otherwise, they will stop trying things and wil stop improving. We also work hard at conveying that message to the parents/supporters so that there are no 'negative vibes' coming from the touchline.

The U14 & U16 squads suffered a big disappointment when a three-way fixture that had been arranged with Cornwall FA and Norwich City was blocked by the FA at Regional level. The reason was that we are not a licensed FA Centre of Excellence and therefore, not deemed worthy to play against licensed Centre teams. This is a decision that has infuriated many people in the South West. The other Centres would happliy play us as they know we could provide them with competitive games. As it is they are having to travel huge distances to play teams that are no better than we are. The persistent refusal by the FA to allow us to arrange friendly fixtures with other centres is bemusing. We are not asking for any funding; the other centres want to play us; so what is the problem ? The suspicion is that we might embarrass the FA by showing that we can develop talented girl players with a programme and ethos that is different to the 'one size fits all' approach to development that the FA favours. However, we will not be downcast and will continue to work hard to provide quality coaching to talented girl players in the Exeter and surrounding area.

The Exeter City Ladies team was re-born last season with a focus on using young players that have come through the Exeter City Girls Development Centre. As a new team, they entered the Devon League at Division 2 and comfortably won the league title and also did the double by winning the Devon League Cup.

This season they are playing in the Devon League Divivsion 1 and are pushing for promotion. The team is coached by Steve Tully with assistance from Kevin Hack. Coaching takes place every Monday at Exeter School astroturf 7.00 - 8.00 pm.

Players interested in joining should come along to training or contact:

ECFC Ladies Team Administrator: Kellie Hall on 07748 647162 or

ECFC Ladies/Girls Football Organiser: Kevin Hack on 07768 034743.

GIRLS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

The ECFC Girls Development Centre provides a programme of coaching designed to develop the skill levels of talented girl players. Training squads run at Under-16, Under-14 and U12 levels. Players are selected through trials and recommendations. Monthly fixtures are arranged for the squads to play as Exeter City against suitable opposition.

Training take place on the Exeter University astroturf on Wednesdays 6.30 - 8.00 pm

For further information, contact:

ECFC Girls Development Centre Head Coach: Kevin Hack on 07768 0346743 e-mail: kevin.hack@tiscali.co.uk

The Girls SoccerCity coaching sessions are designed for girls aged 10 - 16 of all abilities. The emphasis is on basic skills development and playing games.

The sessions take place every Monday at Exeter School Astroturf from 7.00 - 8.00 pm.

Girls interested in joining should come along to a session, or contact:

ECFC Girls Development Centre Head Coach: Kevin Hack on 07768 0346743 e-mail: kevin.hack@tiscali.co.uk