Colchester United's recent Development Centre trials at Shrub End were a huge success, with over 200 young footballers coming along to show off their talents.
As we continue to seek the best in young local footballers, we welcomed 225 players to take part in coaching and games.
And, of those 225, 75 have been invited back for the Select Trial.
Foundation Phase Development Officer Fabian Ambrose said: "“Reflecting back on our most recent Open Trial, the standard of player wishing to be assessed by our coaching staff is improving with each event we have hosted over the past three years.
“The Development Centre Programme has had great success over the past 12 years to help nurture 94 players to sign within our Category 2 Academy, alongside a further 36 players within other Category 1 or 2 academies.
"We are striving to helping players identified with the potential to develop their all-round capabilities with a particular emphasis on the psychology and social development of the individual.”
The Development Centre programme continues to come on in leaps and bounds and, after introducing an expanded games programme, a new coaching syllabus and a player ambassador in Sammie Szmodics, there is even more on the agenda for the coming season.
The U11s and U16s will head out for a tour in France in April next year as we broaden the players horizons and test their talents against European opposition.
The Development Centre Programme has also seen the implementation of a new centre which will be launching in September in Chelmsford at Chancellor Park for players eligible to play next season at Under 6, Under 7 and Under 8s.
Open Trials take place in later this month, further information can be found here or, to register, please click here