JERSEY’S football development officer Brian Oliver is to step down as JFA Lloyds TSB Centre of Excellence director.

Having built on the hard work of former JFA president Brian Ahier and coach Harry Proffitt, the Centre is now well established and, after five years as director, Oliver believes the time is right to give someone else the opportunity to benefit from the experience.

Current JFA president Charlie Tostevin praised Oliver’s work as director: ‘Brian has played a vital role at the centre which has grown to cater for over 60 boys and girls with identified talent and potential as well as providing a quality opportunity for ten staff to develop their coaching skills.

‘We have known for some time that Brian may be standing down from this position and together with the imminent appointment of a JFA part-time football development assistant, capacity is being built to meet the growth of the football opportunities currently being provided.’ Said Oliver: ‘The centre plays a valuable role and, thanks to all the staff, is a model of good practice.

Over the years, we have developed links with Manchester United, Leeds United and more recently Bournemouth and Southampton football clubs.’ The vast majority of the players who have attended the centre are now playing club football and many representing Jersey at U16, U18 and the Senior representative team.

In the last two seasons, Joel Speight, Jack Cannon, Brett Pitman and Michael Weir have all secured contracts with professional academies.

Added Oliver: ‘As development officer I will continue to support the centre and have organised a meeting next week with all staff to plan ahead for the season – I will step a side once the new director is appointed’.

Anyone interested in the position as Centre director must hold the Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Football Award (UEFA “”B”" Licence) or be actively working towards the qualification.

For more information please contact JFA Secretary Gill Morgan on 500165.