FOOTBALL
DEVELOPMENT
Saints Southwest are proud to identify and offer children who demonstrate talent on the pitch an opportunity to develop their 'Potential into Excellence'. Saints Southwest staff ​have an ongoing recruitment process, whereby no matter what type of session is being delivered, we seek to identify children with talent and signpost them to a suitable training environment. With a proven track record of not just developing excellent football players, but excellent people off the pitch.
Saints Southwest will play an attractive brand of football, consistent through all the age groups and offer a culture which has education at the forefront whilst maintaining the highest standards of integrity and honesty amongst the people who serve within it. Our players are at the centre of everything we do – our focus is to help them reach their full potential. The staff are highly committed and professional in their approach to identifying talent
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Saints Southwest have an 'Open Door Policy' whereby children can apply to be a part of our Click Here to request a trial
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PLAYER
RECRUITMENT
Saints Southwest work with thousands of children each week in various Education, Community and Football Development programmes, along with attending a number of tournaments and events each season.
Our large coaching team recruit players into our Football Development programme who display the key attributes we look for at Saints Southwest.
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You can also request an open trial or visit from a Saints Southwest coach.
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We understand that players come in all different varieties with a mixture of strengths and weaknesses. We take into account a player’s technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social attributes, as well as looking at relative age effect and maturation rates. Character is also a very big facet.
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We also review our current player cohort in the Football Development programme to assess whether a target player has the potential to integrate into the group
OUR
PATHWAY
FAQ's
Community
What should my child wear?
Can I stay to watch my childs session?
We do allow parents to stay and watch the sessions, should they wish. Parents are also very welcome to sign their child in and leave them with us for the duration of the session if they prefer. Please bear in mind some of our venues they have viewing platforms, please could you view the session from this area.
What footwear should my child bring?
For sessions that take place on grass, we recommend football boots during the winter months, although Astroturf or moulded boots may be sufficient during the summer months. For courses that take place on 3G Astroturf or synthetic grass pitches, we recommend Astroturf trainers or moulded boots, but NO metal studs. For sessions that take place in a sports hall please wear suitable trainers or Astro Turfs.
Do I have to pay for the full term?
Do you do any discounts?
Yes, we offer discounts. We offer sibling discount, to gain access to this please ring the office on 0330 2234 932. Saints Southwest also run various promotions throughout the year. We also have a Financial Support Programme in palace for those in less fortunate situations, which can be applied for here
What is the ratio of coaches to children?
Can I have a trial or taster session?
We currently offer taster sessions on all our Community sessions. Free trials and taster session cna be booked here.
What happens if it rains?
Football Development
Do you offer trials?
Yes, we have application windows throughout the year, while you may also apply via our application form by clicking here
How do trials work?
Trials can last between 1-4 weeks and are free of charge. During a trial, the child will be given feedback from their specific coach, while in conclusion will be offered to attend the most suitable Saints Southwest programme for their development.
How do you communicate with parents?
Saints Southwest have a unqie digital web and mobile based team communication application. You will be invited to all training and events, while you will also receive important updates via this platform. All Football Development players also use a interactive digital classroom, where players are set home practice and general football development tasks. All systems are managed by adults only.
How does payment work?
All payments within the Football Development programme are paid monthly via Direct Debit. A signing on fee is required also which is payable via our shop.
How do you monitor development?
Progress is monitored during each session, while players during the season will receive written progress reports and face to face reviews from their Head Coach.
What do I wear?
All Local Development Centre players must wear the official Saints Southwest training kit which can be purchased by clicking here.
Do you have a Strength & Conditioning Programme?
Yes. We understand the importance of being able to control your body in various ways to ensure we maximise physical development appropriately.
Is there specific Goalkeeping training?
Goalkeeping Development Centres - offer a chance for all goalkeepers wanting to take the goalkeeping knowledge and ability to the next level. Goalkeepers will work through the structure Goalkeeping specific syllabus each term. These sessions are based around individual needs of the players and demands of the game, ensuring all areas we regard as important - technical, physical, social and psychological are focused on
What are the associated costs?
Costs vary from programme to programme and age to age. Please submit a Football Development Contact Form for more information.
What are the Saints Southwest Commandments
Do you analyse games
Do players have a seasonal photoshoot?
Yes. All Regional players recieve a professional individual and squad photos, which are all branded.
Do player train in the school holidays?
Yes. Both Development and Regional Players train during the day in the school holiday, usually 10am - 3pm within thier retrospective regions.
