The Development Centre is an invitation only programme where players are identified, nurtured and developed within the first tier of our Talent Identification Programme.
To ensure that development and progression of players needs are met on an individual basis, the employment of two full time members of staff with the responsibility of overseeing the Developmental and Operational needs of the Foundation and Youth Phase respectively was implemented during August 2016.
Colchester United Football in the Community has supported and contributed to the progression of 130 players into our academy or within other Category 1 or 2 academies since 2005.
Our Development Centre Squads participate in the South Eastern Development Centre Games Programme with regular fixtures against the likes the Norwich City, Luton Town, MK Dons, Peterborough and Cambridge amongst others.
Two fixtures are also organised annually against our Academy to challenge and stretch them from a Tactical, Social and Physical perspective.
Players identified and selected will either possess or be nurtured to possess the following attributes:-
• Excellent Decision Makers
• Technically Advanced
• Creative and Imaginative
• Risk Takers
Players that show the correct attitude, mentality, willingness to learn will if at the standard required be given the opportunity of progression into firstly our Elite Player Performance Centre before either our Pre-Academy (U8s) or Academy.
Currently 38% of Colchester United Academy registered players progressed from our Development Centre.
To find out more about our Development Centre, please contact fitc@colchesterunited.net or 01206 755160.