RTCs will replace the Centre of Excellence model and will deliver enhanced coaching and support designed to improve the development of elite female players through the FA Girls’ England talent pathway.

Successful clubs have been grouped into three tiers dependant on conditions such as facilities, workforce, player development and performance service provision, with United securing tier 1 status.

Centre manager Emma Fletcher was delighted with the announcement: “We have worked really hard to get the Centre into great shape and we look forward to the challenges that lie ahead to keep us at the front of the pack.”

She added, “Achieving Tier 1 status means that we can add a third training session to our weekly training schedule for our Under 14 and Under 16 players. The other significant change to our current programme is the Under 10 and Under 12 players will now also play fixtures in a local boys’ league.”

As part of the changes, RTC age groups will run alongside the academic year, starting in September. For the first time, girls’ U10 and U12 teams will compete in Charter Standard youth leagues, to enable players to further develop both technically and physically. The older age groups will compete in FA organised fixture programmes against other RTCs.

Trial dates for the 2016/2017 season will be confirmed in due course.