FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT CENTRES

Weekly evening sessions for all players who want to take their development further. Focused on technical development, confidence, and progression through the Saints Southwest pathway.

The Saints Southwest Football Development Centres are the perfect next step for children who love the game and want to push their skills further. Open to players from Under 6 to Under 14, these weekly evening sessions.

WHAT ARE DEVELOPMENT CENTRES?

Structured, age-appropriate coaching: Sessions are built around technical excellence, movement, decision-making, and confidence on the ball.

Player-focused environment: Every player is challenged at their level, sessions are demanding, enjoyable, and full of energy.

Game-based learning: Coaches use small-sided matches and progressive technical activities that encourage creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Termly progress reviews: Players are monitored and assessed each term, receiving personalised feedback to help them set new goals and improve key areas.

QUALITY ASSURANCE & SAFEGUARDING

Every Development Centre is run by Saints Southwest’s FA-qualified and DBS-checked coaches, following our safeguarding policy and quality assured training programme.

We ensure:

Strict coach-to-player ratios, giving every child the attention and guidance they need.

Regular session observations and quality checks to maintain high coaching standards.

Clear communication with parents and players through our dedicated online platform.

Safe, positive, and inclusive environments where every child feels supported, respected, and encouraged.

PATHWAY TO THE ACADEMY

Our Development Centres are part of the Saints Southwest Player Pathway, designed to nurture talent at every stage.

Players demonstrating the right technical ability, attitude, and potential may be invited to progress into our Academy Programme, which offers an even higher level of coaching, fixtures, and personal development.

TRIALS AND HOW TO JOIN

All players interested in joining a Development Centre must complete the Football Development Contact Form on our website.
Once received:

Our coaching team will review your information.
You’ll be invited to attend a trial or taster session at your local Development Centre.
Following your trial, we’ll provide feedback and confirm the next steps.

If successful, you’ll be registered onto our system and added to 360Player, our performance and communication platform.

USING 360 PLAYER

360Player is an all-in-one coaching, communication, and development platform used across our Football Development Programme. It allows parents, players, and coaches to stay fully connected and track progress.

Through 360Player, you can:

View session plans and upcoming fixtures.
Receive termly performance reports and individual feedback.
Access training videos and player challenges.
Communicate directly with your coach.
Review attendance, progress, and development goals.

This platform helps each player take ownership of their learning and development, promoting accountability, focus, and self-improvement.

OVERVIEW

When: Evenings (term time)
Fixture: Yes, termly, in central locations
Who: Players aged U6-U14
Where: Regional Development Centre venues across the South West
Bookings: Managed via 360 Player with secure online payment and monthly subscriptions