Colchester United FCAdvanced Coaching Programme (ACP)
The Advanced Coaching Programme (ACP) is an invitation-only player development programme for boys from Under 7 to Under 16 age groups.
Aims of the ACP:
- To work in partnership with Colchester United FC to nurture and retain advanced players
- To offer appropriate progression pathways and exit routes for players between 6 and 16 years of age
- To be the premier young player development programme in Essex
We currently have three training venues:
- ACP Colchester - Weston Homes Community Stadium for Under 7’s to Under 9’s;
- ACP Colchester - Shrub End Community and Sports Centre for Under 10’s to Under 16’s as well as all Under 7 to Under 16 Goalkeepers;
- ACP Maldon – Plume School for Under 7’s to Under 12’s
ACP Colchester
| Age Group | Day | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 7 | Monday | 4.00-5.00pm | Weston Homes Community Stadium |
| Under 8/9 | Monday | 5.00-6.00pm | Weston Homes Community Stadium |
| Under 9 | Monday | 4.00-5.00pm | Weston Homes Community Stadium |
| Under 10 | Tuesday | 4.00-5.30pm | Shrub End Community and Sports Centre |
| Under 11 | Tuesday | 4.00-5.30pm | Shrub End Community and Sports Centre |
| U7-U11 Goalkeepers | Tuesday | 4.00-5.30pm | Shrub End Community and Sports Centre |
| U12-U16 Goalkeepers | Tuesday | 4.00-5.30pm | Shrub End Community and Sports Centre |
| Under 12 | Wednesday | 5.00-6.30pm | Shrub End Community and Sports Centre |
| Under 13 | Wednesday | 5.00-6.30pm | Shrub End Community and Sports Centre |
| Under 14 | Wednesday | 5.00-6.30pm | Shrub End Community and Sports Centre |
| Under 15/16 | Wednesday | 5.00-6.30pm | Shrub End Community and Sports Centre |
Weston Homes Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester, CO4 5UP
Shrub End Community and Sports Centre, Boadicea Way, Colchester, CO2 9BG.
ACP Maldon
| Age Group | Day | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| U7, U8, U9, U10, U11 | Friday | 6-7.30 | Plume School, Maldon |
| U12 | Friday | 7.30-9pm | Plume School, Maldon |
Plume School, Fambridge Road, Maldon, CM9 6AB
In the past ten years Colchester United Centre of Excellence (COE) has signed a huge number of its players directly from the ACP. In addition, a small number of boys have gone on to sign for other professional clubs. There is regular communication between the ACP and COE staff to ensure anyone who progresses to Elite Development Centre or COE standard can make that transition at the relevant times. This is a reflection of their hard work, skill level and commitment to improving their game.
ACP players’ progress is monitored and there will be 2 assessments (at Christmas and Easter) where players will be given a grading of where they currently stand. The ACP reserves the right to release players at these times if they have dropped below the required standard – whether it be on an ability or attitude basis. Each player must make the most of the opportunity they get whilst training and playing with the ACP.
The ACP is always on the look-out for new talented boys to join the programme. Players are selected in a number of different ways.
They can:
- progress via recommendations from CUCST grass-roots sessions
- be successful at one of the Trust’s Open Trial Days
- be recommended by a local league coach or manager (click here for a Coach/Manager Recommendation Form)
- be taken on after being released from the Colchester United Centre of Excellence
To view the Colchester United Community Sports Trust (CUCST) & Colchester United Football Club Player, Education and Coaching Pathways, click here.
ACP players are encouraged to continue playing for their Sunday teams and CUCST would like to state that any ACP matches organised throughout the season will not affect their club matches.
For further details, please email ACP Manager, Wayne Lowry at wlowry@cucst.org.uk
