TALENTED young female footballers in and around the county are being offered a gilt-edged opportunity to strive for international stardom thanks to the prestigious new FA-licensed Girls Advanced Coaching Centre, writes Simon Parkinson.

Three Somerset venues will hold trials in July for under-10s, under-12s, under-14s and under-16s.

Schools and clubs believing they have the calibre of youngsters keen and able enough to progress to high levels of the local and national game are being urged to nominate them.

The Advanced Coaching Centre will replace the Somerset FA Girls Centre of Excellence from the start of the 2014-15 season.

The centre provides the cream of the crop of young female players in Somerset and surrounding areas with weekly training and fixtures while enabling them to continue playing for their regular club sides.

The initiative offers talented players an opportunity to access appropriate levels of coaching and support through the FA’s England Talent Pathway programme, which strives to produce elite female players capable of competing at international level.

Somerset FA’s ACC manager Aaron Clements said: “This is the only FA Advanced Coaching Centre in the county, and the only pathway for talented young female players to progress to the England Youth and senior squads.

“This scheme represents a pinnacle playing opportunity for talented players in the area and offers a direct chance for girls to progress into international football.

“The fixture programme involving other centres in the South-West ensures high-quality competitive opportunities on a regular basis to challenge each player.”

Trials kick-off at Writhlington Sports Centre, Radstock (BA3 3NQ) on Wednesday, July 2, on the 3G pitch.

Under-10s and under-12s’ trials are from 6pm to 7.15pm while under-14s and under-16s perform between 7.30pm and 9pm.

Strode College Sports Centre, Street (BA16 0AB) hosts trials on Monday, July 7, on grass surfaces, from 6pm to 7.15pm (under-10s, under-12s) and 7.30pm to 9pm (under-14s, under-16s).

Finally, on Friday, July 11, @Worle, Weston-super-Mare (BS22 6AQ) provides the 3G facilities for trials at the same times as the above.

More information about the ACC and July trials can be obtained by calling Aaron on 01458 832359 or emailing aaron.clements@ somersetfa.com