The Texaco sponsored Pembrokeshire Women and Girls Football League has been in existence for some 10 years, and for most of that time has had some form of coaching and development programme.
For the first time, however, this season has seen the creation of a much more structured and more inclusive coaching provision with the formation of an FAW Pembrokeshire Girls and Women's Football Coaching Centre.
The Texaco Women's League has now assumed responsibility, taking over from the original FAW centre of development structure that had provided coaching for many years.
The centre operates from 6 pm for one hour, Friday evenings, at Haverfordwest's Sir Thomas Picton School astroturf, and for the first time offers coaching to the complete age range of female footballer, from eight years old, going right through to adult.
With this new format, the centre now has nearly 60 regular players attending weekly.
Of course, projects such as the Women and Girls League, and the coaching centre, require finance and support, and Pembrokeshire is luckier than most with the level of support that comes from Texaco.
Over the years, Phil Thompson, Texaco public relations officer, has been both generous and consistent with his commitment on behalf of the company. The county is fortunate to have such a company.
FAW football development officer, and centre director Gerry Rigby is delighted with this new arrangement.
"Pembrokeshire has long been a leading light for female football provision within Wales, but this new structure will allow us more flexibility. We will be able to offer regular football coaching sessions to all sections of females within Pembrokeshire," he said.
Over the years, the centre has produced some excellent teams, all from local players. The women's team has the amazing record of never having been beaten by another Welsh team, including beating the national side a few years ago. They go on regular footballing tours, playing against top quality sides from all over the world.
The centre also has an impressive list of players who have represented Wales at different levels, from under 13s to full international level - a fact Gerry is proud of, saying: "The list of girls who have been produced at the centre and gone on to represent their country is a great honour to our county, and a wonderful testament to their commitment and skill. We also have a terrific crop of younger players coming through the system right now, and I predict with some confidence that there will be future internationals amongst them."
Future events include a game against the current full international ladies team, and for the youngsters a series of matches scheduled against other centres from around Wales. There is also the possibility of a summer tour to Holland for the senior players.
Any females interested in joining this exciting project should contact Gerry at Sports Development, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP, or telephone him on 01437 776379.





