The Chelsea FC Foundation is strengthening links with Cornish football by opening a brand new Football Development Centre at Truro College.

Young footballers aged seven to 16 are invited to join the partnership at a series of trials being held at Truro College this May.

Truro College is in its third year of a highly successful association with Chelsea FC Foundation and now the London-based club will be offering realistic elite pathway opportunities for emerging Cornish talent.

The College currently runs an established football programme, which caters for players with varying ability levels. Its elite team, run in association with Chelsea FC Foundation, compete in the National Youth League and compete against teams such as Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham Utd, Crystal Palace and Southampton.

Linking with the College’s current football programme, the new development centre will provide the opportunity for those young players with the necessary ambition, dedication, and talent to fulfil their full potential.

Players who are successful at the trials will attend the centre on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5pm to 7pm. With advice offered to those who are unsuccessful, who will be signposted to local clubs to improve their skills ahead of the next set of trials.

Truro College Football Development Manager, Gary Pascoe will head up the centre, which will be run by fully qualified UEFA coaches and will cater for players 7yrs to 16yrs of age including goalkeepers.

Gary Pascoe said: “The Football Development Centre will offer local players the opportunity to maximise their potential by learning about the tactical aspects of the game whilst improving their technical ability and physical wellbeing. With the support from the Chelsea FC Foundation, they will be signposted towards the most appropriate exit routes for their ability and will undoubtedly leave the centre better players. We hope that players will stay with us until they leave school and then progress to our Football Development programme at the college.

“As an outstanding education provider, Truro & Penwith College can offer an excellent pathway for players to compete in the National U19 Youth League, which is recognised as one of the most competitive youth leagues outside of the professional game.”

Meanwhile, the College’s football development team, who play in the National Youth League, have just returned from the USA after competing in this year’s prestigious Dallas Cup youth tournament. The trip provided a fantastic sporting, cultural and social experience for all involved.

Captain Josh Storey has recently been selected for England Schools U18 team and along with teammate Ben O’Connor has also attracted the attention of USA Universities with potential offers for next year.

The development of the College’s sporting provision also continues to evolve with the inclusion of a Sports Coaching Foundation Degree programme to include a new football specific pathway.

For further information and to register for the trials visit: www.chelseasoccerschools.co.uk