First Grassroots Development Centre A Massive Success

Club Hoping For Even Bigger Turnout This Weekend

Over 60 children turned up to Port Vale’s very first Grassroots Development Centre at the weekend.

Held at Dimensions Leisure Centre in Burslem, the event was a massive success and the club is now hoping for an even bigger turnout for this weekend’s session.

The Grassroots Development Centres are part of Vale’s ‘Steps To Excellence’ programme which aims to develop youngsters into fully fledged Acadamy prospects and eventually professional players.

Children of all ages and ability are welcome to attend and take part in the sessions which are aimed at improving basic skills such as shooting, passing, dribbling, turning and ball control.



Speaking of the success of Saturday’s Development Centre, Lee Foyle, the club’s Lead Foundation Coach, said: “For a new project it was nice to see so many young footballers of all ability looking forward to enjoying their football with a smile on their face.

“Most of the players were looking forward to going to the Vale game after and were all predicting the scoreline for the game - but I don’t think many went for 3-0!

“We have already pushed up some players to the development squads so it has shown that the pathway through to the Academy is working and the progression is there for the players who want to try and work their way up the footballing ladder.”

For more information on the club’s Grassroots Development Centres or any other Academy-based initiative, please email lee.foyle@port-vale.co.uk.