The Dagenham & Redbridge Centre of Excellence was launched in August 2010 with the aim of producing full time trainees (Scholars) and ultimately professional players for the first team.

The Centre of Excellence program is based at the Bowers Park school. Although all matches are held at the All Saints school

Our different age groups range from Under 11's to U16's. All of our teams train twice per week and play their fixtures on Sunday mornings.

All of our age groups are in a 'games programme', competing against Centres from clubs such as Colchester United, Barnet, Peterborough and Leyton Orient. No points are at stake in these fixtures. 'Roll on roll off' substitutions are allowed, and up until the age of U16 each player must play a minimum of 2/3 of a match. This system is designed to encourage the development of players, rather than focus solely on the result. However, this is not to say that the games are not competitive.

During the games no parental involvement is allowed, with most coaching input coming during the breaks of play. Our Under 11's play 9v9, with periods of play normally 60 minutes long, broken into 3 or 4 periods. From Under 12's up to Under 14's it moves to 3x25 minute periods on smaller size 11v11 pitches. At Under 15/16 level full sized pitches are used and two halves are played.

We give all of our players the best coaching possible from our qualified coaches, helping them to develop their technical, tactical, mental and physical ability in a professional, friendly and fun environment.

The Centre of Excellence pages will be constantly updated and will list all all signed players, their sponsors and the coaching staff.

Address

Bowers Park School, Bower Park School, Havering Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 4YY
All Saints School, Terling Road, Wood Lane, Dagenham, Essex, RM8 1JT