Doncaster Rovers Belles to launch Regional Talent Centre + trial dates

Doncaster Rovers Belles have been granted an FA licence to set up a Regional Talent Centre (RTC) for the development of the region's top young players.
Julie GrundyJulie Grundy
Julie Grundy

The centre will cater for girls in the U12s, U14s and U16s age groups, with trials to be held in June for players interested in joining.

RTCs are to replace the current Centre of Excellence and Player Development model.

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Julie Grundy, Belles RTC manager and assistant first team coach, said: “The Belles have a rich history of producing elite, home-grown talent and having our own RTC will just continue that trailblazing tradition.

“We want to develop young stars of the future so they can become the next Natasha Dowies, Jess Sigsworths or Sue Smiths. Youngsters here can also look up to the likes of our very own Sam Tierney, a South Yorkshire-born player, who progressed through the grassroots ranks and is now a first team starter competing in the best women’s football league in the country at the age of 17.

“Launching our RTC is an integral part of the ten-year plan at the Belles and will certainly help us to leave a lasting legacy for one of the most famous women’s football clubs.”

Faye Lygo, Belles’ chairlady, added: “I am absolutely delighted that the Belles have been granted a licence to run an RTC and would like to thank Julie Grundy for all of her hard work in getting this set up at our incredibly pioneering and ambitious club.

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“An RTC will really complement what the club are trying to achieve for women in sport, in supporting and mentoring female players and coaches from grassroots to elite level.”

Trials will take place at Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park next month and players must attend all trials dates before being considered for a place.

The trial dates are: Sunday, June 12 (U12s – 10am-11.30am, U14s – 11.45am-1.15pm, U16s – 1.30pm-3pm), Sunday, June 19 (U12s – 10am-11.30am, U14s – 11.45am-1.15pm, U16s – 1.30pm-3pm), Sunday, June 25 (U12s – 10am-11.30am, U14s – 11.45am-1.15pm, U16s – 1.30pm-3pm).

To register for trials contact Julie Grundy at [email protected].