The ‘Skills Centre’ sessions are for young players with a combination of good technical football ability and excellent attitude towards learning.

We will provide a positive, learning environment where the player can develop their technical, physical, psychological and social skills which will in turn provide them with the opportunity to fulfil their potential and become the best player they can be!

The main aims of FA Skills Centres are to:

• Provide opportunities to practice your skills after school, even if you play for a team.
• Help direct you into a local team if you do not play for a team, should you wish too.
• Promote healthy and active lifestyles.

How much do the sessions cost?

The sessions normally cost £1.50 per week, but some Skill Centres may charge more due to costs of facilities.

Where is my nearest Skill Centre?

To find your nearest Skills Centre information please visit www.TheFA.com/Tescoskills and when they run please see below.

Open Access Centres

These sessions are for any player to improve their skills. Beginners or experienced footballers are all welcome. Sessions must be pre booked and paid for up front at the beginning of each block. For example a 10 week block would cost £15 in total (works out £1.50 per session). Blocks can be between 6-12 weeks long and within school terms.

Players must be booked on before turning up. To book on contact the relevant Skills Coach or visit www.TheFA.com/TescoSkills

 
Gifted and Talented Skills Centres

These sessions are for more advanced players that have been identified to be within at least 3 of the 4 corners of the long term player development (technical, social, physical and psychological) higher than average for their age or show a lot of potential to succeed. The sessions will support the children alongside their club sessions giving the children the opportunity to access expert coaching with the FA Tesco skills coaches.

Players must be recommended to the skills coaches. If you feel you know a child who would fit into this category, please contact the relevant skills coach from www.thefa.com/tescoskills

Girls Only Skills Centres

These sessions are for girls from beginners to excellence from any age between 5 and 11. The girls might already play for a club, just gaining an interest in football or just want to develop their skills and meet other girls. The girls will be supported into clubs if they so wish or can just enjoy the sessions with us.

Players must be booked on before turning up. To book on contact the relevant Skills Coach or visit www.TheFA.com/TescoSkills

Luton Sixth Form College (Luton)
Mondays
4:30pm – 5:30pm (Years R to 3)
5:30pm – 6:30pm (Year 4 to 6)
Lead coach – Iain Mortimer
iain.mortimer@thefa.com

Robert Bloomfield (Shefford)
Tuesdays
5:30pm – 6:15pm (Years R to 4)
6:15pm - 7pm (Gifted & Talented)
Lead coach – Natasha Orchard-Smith
natasha.orchard-smith@thefa.com

Sharnbrook Upper School (Sharnbrook)
Wednesdays
5pm - 6pm (Years R, to 2)
6pm – 7pm (Years 3 to 6)
Lead coach – Mark Humphrey
mark.humphrey@thefa.com

Bedfordshire FA (Dunstable)
Thursdays
4pm - 5pm (Years R to 6 – Open access)
5pm - 6pm (Years R to 6 – GIRLS ONLY)
Lead coach – Natasha Orchard-Smith
natasha.orchard-smith@thefa.com

Cedars Upper School (Leighton Buzzard)
Fridays
4pm – 5pm (Years R to 3)
5pm – 6pm (Years 4 to 6)
Lead coach – Stephen Maker
stephen.maker@thefa.com

For further information, please contact Stephen Maker, The FA Tesco Skills Team Leader, Bedfordshire, stephen.maker@TheFA.com or 07943 862302

HOLIDAY COURSES

During the school holidays The FA Tesco Skills coaches run taster sessions as an introduction to the Programme for boys and girls of all abilities.

These sessions are entirely FREE thanks to Tesco, who hire all the venues used during the Holiday Sessions as part of their commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle and supporting the development of the future of football in England.

Our FREE Holiday Sessions take place during the Easter and Summer holidays, as well as every school half term. The free holiday sessions do not run during the Christmas break.

Two holiday sessions take place per day with the first running from 10am to 12pm and the second from 1pm to 3pm. The courses are very popular and spaces are limited and offered on a first come first served basis.

Holiday sessions normally take place on the same day and at the same place as where the skill centre would take place during term time. A list of the upcoming holiday sessions and venues can be found on the website below.

To check upcoming courses and to view availability on these courses please visit: www.TheFA.com/TescoSkills