Regional Talent Club: Open Trials announced

Sunderland and Gateshead Regional Talent Club (RTC) will be holding its Open Trials at the world-class Beacon of Light this summer. Held each year, the trials are a perfect opportunity for players to showcase their skills and secure a place in the RTC's Under 10, Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 squads. The North East's newest elite sports venue, the Beacon of Light will host the trials for the first time, giving young players access to state of the art facilities including the state of the art 4G roof-level football barn, with the second phase hosted by RTC partner, Gateshead College, at its world-renowned Academy for Sport.

As the popularity of the ladies' game increases we're seeing more and more young players wanting to join the RTC which is fantastic. The Open Trials are the best way to try out for the squads as well as learn more about the training and player pathways we offer, and we'd encourage all young players and parents who are interested to get in touch and come down.

Claire McDougall-Robinson, Sunderland and Gateshead RTC Technical Director

One of only 13 Regional Talent Clubs across the country which carry Tier 1 status, the RTC provides elite player development opportunities for young female footballers through a comprehensive technical and tactical training programme. Formerly the Sunderland and Gateshead Girls Centre of Excellence, the RTC attracts the best young players from Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Northumberland and Cumbria to compete in the FA's Tier One North League against teams such as Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United as well as in the FA Girls’ U16 Youth Cup. The younger age group plays in local grassroots competition such as the Russell Foster Youth League. Training is delivered three evenings per week by Foundation of Light coaches who are UEFA and FA qualified and have a wealth of international experience managing and coaching elite players. The RTC has helped establish talents such England stars Steph Houghton and Jill Scott, as well as current Sunderland Ladies players Olivia Watt, Bridget Galloway and Keira Ramshaw to name a few.  

TRIAL DATES

*PLEASE NOTE: Sunderland and Gateshead RTC will hold an additional trial should this be deemed necessary to select squads if required.

AGE GROUP	DATE	TIME	VENUE
Under 10	Monday 4th June (OPEN TRIAL)	5.30-7.30pm	Beacon of Light, SR5 1SU
Under 10	Thursday 7th June (OPEN TRIAL)	5.30-7.30pm	Academy for Sport, NE10 0EF
Under 10	Saturday 16th June (INVITE ONLY)	9am-1pm	Academy for Sport, NE10 0EF
Under 12	Monday 11th June (OPEN TRIAL)	5.30-7.30pm	Beacon of Light, SR5 1SU
Under 12	Thursday 14th June (OPEN TRIAL)	5.30-7.30pm	Academy for Sport, NE10 0EF
Under 12	Saturday 23rd June (INVITE ONLY)	9am-1pm	Academy for Sport, NE10 0EF
Under 14	Monday 11th June (OPEN TRIAL)	5.30-7.30pm	Beacon of Light, SR5 1SU
Under 14	Thursday 14th June (OPEN TRIAL)	5.30-7.30pm	Academy for Sport, NE10 0EF
Under 14	Saturday 23rd June (INVITE ONLY)	9am-1pm	Academy for Sport, NE10 0EF
Under 14	Monday 25th June (INVITE ONLY)	6-8pm	Beacon of Light, SR5 1SU
Under 16	Monday 4th June (OPEN TRIAL)	5.30-7.30pm	Beacon of Light, SR5 1SU
Under 16	Thursday 7th June (OPEN TRIAL)	5.30-7.30pm	Academy for Sport, NE10 0EF
Under 16	Saturday 16th June (INVITE ONLY)	9am-1pm	Academy for Sport, NE10 0EF
Under 16	Thursday 21st June (INVITE ONLY)	6-8pm	Beacon of Light, SR5 1SU

 

TRIAL AGE GROUPS

It is extremely important that players attending trials qualify to play in the appropriate age group. Any player either too young or too old will not be considered for assessment.

• U10s: Players born from 1st September 2008 to 31st August 2010 (school years 4 and 5)
• U12s: Players born from 1st September 2006 to 31st August 2008 (school years 6 and 7)
• U14s: Players born from 1st September 2004 - 31st August 2006 (school years 8 and 9)
• U16s: Players born from 1st September 2002 - 31st August 2004 (school years 10 and 11)