Following two years of hard work behind the scenes Peterborough United Football Club are proud to announce the revival of our Youth Development Policy.

Members of the Centre of Excellence programme

Four major businesses within the Peterborough area are collaborating and providing additional funding to boost the Centre of Excellence programme which now has squads established between the age groups of Under 9s to 16s for the season 2006/07 with the Under 18s Youth Team being introduced for the season 2007/08.

Joan Hill - Youth Development Officer and General Manager at PUFC said: 'It is with a very big thank you to Phillip Carter who has been the main instigator of providing the support of local businesses, The Haycock Hotel, Thomas Cook UK & Ireland, Budget Group & Peter Brotherhood Ltd, who will be leading the way for the future of youth development and securing the firm foundation for the long term future of the youth development programme. The Centre of Excellence players will receive the very highest standards of facilities, coaching and football education thanks to this additional support.'

The players have been selected from within the local area and will receive a minimum of six hours football education each week with the club. Weekend fixtures will be played against other professional clubs in the South Central Region of the Centre of Excellence Programme.

The Programme will also be receiving grant funding from the Football League and the Football Association to support the development of the players within the programme.

Head of Youth Dave Robertson said: 'It is fantastic to see Centre of Excellence football back in Peterborough. We have some very talented young footballers within the programme who, when they fulfil their potential, will be knocking on the door of first team football here at the club. This is a long term development plan that will nurture the finest young footballers from our area into potential professional players.'

Phillip Carter, on behalf on the sponsors, said: 'It is good for the city to have a strong football team with a good future and we as major employers have targeted the youth football initiative to focus on the successful future of Peterborough United.'

Remember, all under 16s are admitted for just £5 in the South Stand for Saturday's game with Bristol Rovers.