Here at Hartlepool United we have expanded our recruitment of young footballers for our Centre of Excellence with the successful running of Development Centres at the ages of 8-10.

The young players are generally selected through our talent days during school holidays and come along once a week to receive quality coaching with the emphasis on fun and enjoyment!

The main objective of my role is to focus on raising the standard of children's football with the 5-11 age groups for the benefit of Hartlepool United, an age group targeted as when fundamental movements, ABC's and ball skills are ingrained.

We are now in the process of looking to open up development centres for under 7's and 6's.

During the past 12 months we have been working at forging good relationships with all local schools and Stockton schools by in school coaching to identify gifted and talented individuals then come along and receive free coaching from our Centre of Excellence staff.

Through this process we have been able to begin our development centres and hopefully now raise the standard to compete even more with other professional clubs in the North East in obtaining talented and gifted players at a young age.

We are once again holding our gifted and talented days during the February Half term holidays for boys in years 1 and 2.

If you feel you have a talent at football why not get in touch with our recruitment department at the club for further information.

Nick Green- Skills Coach & Youth Co-ordinator