CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE MAIN SPONSOR:
DAINS LLP
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE SHIRT SPONSOR:
THE WALSALL FC Centre of Excellence continues to go from strength-to-strength.
It plays host to around 120 youngsters between the ages of eight and 16 of outstanding ability who are invited to come in to the Banks's Stadium on evenings throughout the week and take advantage of the excellent facilities that have been developed in recent years, including the state-of-the-art synthetic sports pitch that was officially opened in August 2001 at a cost of £250,000.
The revolutionary 'field turf' surface is used by top Premiership and European clubs. "The synthetic sports pitch has been an added bonus to our youth operation," said Head of Youth Mick Halsall. "It now enables us to play games at any time of the day or night and also helps to attract stronger opposition who want to play on the surface.
"The investment that the club made in the facilities demonstrates a commitment to improve and enhance the quality of our youth development programme. It is such a key area for clubs such as ours and over the past few years more and more boys are starting to make the transition from the Centre of Excellence into our Scholarship programme.
"We want to give our youngsters the best possible conditions in which to hone their skills and are constantly looking to formulate new ideas and practices."
DAINS, Midlands-based Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, became proud sponsors of the Walsall FC Centre of Excellence in July 2008.
Richard McNeilly, Head of Business Development at Dains, commented. "As a progressive business we are excited about contributing to the future of our esteemed local football club.
"The Centre of Excellence demonstrates a commitment to improving and enhancing the skills of our up-and-coming local talent and our sponsorship will hopefully contribute in providing youngsters with the best possible conditions in which to hone their skills."
In line with its business growth and success, Dains are dedicated to supporting all aspects of its local community in the form of numerous charities and events. In 2006, 'Dains in the Community' was formed where the partners, directors and staff support many events and are also involved in local initiatives within local communities.
Over the last two years, Dains have committed a total of £37,200 through honorary work, fund-raising and donations to local causes. "We regard our association with The Walsall FC Centre of Excellence as a beacon for success to improving and enhancing the quality of youth talent in our local area," added McNeilly. "Our commitment to our community is central to the culture at Dains and our commitment to that community is at the heart of our values.
"We look forward to a successful season together."
Established since 1926, Dains is the largest independent firm of chartered accountants located and operating within the West Midlands. The firm currently employs approximately 140 staff, including 14 partners and directors, and operates from its primary offices at Birmingham, Burton-on-Trent, Coleshill, Lichfield, Rugeley and Swadlincote.
In addition to the core services of Accountancy & Business Services, Audit, Business Recovery & Insolvency, Corporate Finance and Taxation, Dains Group offer a range of other services through its subsidiaries and associated divisions which include: Dains Financial Services Ltd (Independent Financial Advisers) and Discus Systems Plc (Business IT Service Provider).
For further information about Dains Group or its services please visit the website at www.dainsgroup.com
A FORMAL working partnership was agreed between Walsall FC and prominent local junior club, Wyrley Juniors FC in March 2005.
Wyrley Juniors have been in operation for 23 years and boast no fewer than 22 boys teams and seven girls teams from Under-7s to open age, making them one of the largest clubs in the country. They have enjoyed plenty of playing success over the years in the Walsall Junior Youth League and are one of only 120 club nationally to hold the prestigious FA Community Club Charter. "We are delighted to have been identified by Walsall FC as a club with an excellent reputation not only for producing young players with ability but also for its organisational strength off-the-field," said Wyrley Juniors Chairman, Keith Hardy. "We already have nearly 20 ex-players with League clubs, including at least three with The Saddlers, and this partnership should ensure that these numbers grow rapidly.
"The fact that Wyrley boys could go on to play for Walsall will also set us apart from other clubs. Walsall FC have a fine reputation for looking after and improving the skills of players and we are delighted to have linked up with this well-run Football League club."
Saddlers' Chief Executive, Roy Whalley added: "We identified Wyrley Juniors as a club with an excellent playing strength and a track record in producing players of the ability we are looking for. They are a forward-looking club and we know that this partnership will bring benefits for both parties."
The agreement means that Walsall FC will:
- Allow the 50 FA-qualified coaches within Wyrley Juniors FC to view Walsall youth training sessions and thus increase their coaching knowledge;
- Give access to pitch care advice in readiness for Wyrley Juniors developing their own ground later this year;
- Provide coaches for regular Soccer School courses that Wyrley Juniors arrange;
- Provide a number of free match tickets to Wyrley Juniors players;
- Allow Wyrley Juniors players to be ball boys or girls at some of their home matches;
- Encourage a number of Saddlers players to attend Wyrley Juniors' presentation nights.
In return, Wyrley Juniors will highlight players of extraordinary ability to Walsall FC.
It is an exciting link for both clubs and we look forward to it bearing fruit in the years to come.
