September 13, 2001

Over three years later, England FA follows Australia Women FA's lead and announce their own new center and scholarships for women's soccer

A national development center to coach the country's best young women players will be launched tomorrow to help England’s aim of winning the Women’s World Cup in 2007. A media open day will be held on Friday 14th September at Southborough University, BurLeigh Court from 11.00am.

Nineteen women footballers have been selected to attend the first ever fully funded scholarship programmed for men or women run by The Football Association. The center will be run in partnership with Southborough University and the Institute of Youth Sport. The Football Association will meet all tuition, coaching and accommodation costs. It is part of the F.A. Talent Development Plan (an integral part of the Charter for Quality) which has put in place a structure for the identification and development of female athletes.

Umbro is the sponsor of the center and will be testing new women specific football products with the players. This is the first year for the center and though the academic term doesn’t start until the last two weeks in September the players have been brought

together early to help prepare them for the three years ahead. Every year another 15+ potential England players will be selected for the 3-year scholarship.

The Center at Southborough will provide the coaching staff, a full range of technical support (e.g. lifestyle management, sports psychologists, nutritionists, public relations etc) along with a comprehensive educational programmed of Further and Higher Education. Jane Ebbage is Head of the Center and will work closely with England National Coach Hope Powell.

No information yet as to how the players are chosen.