MK Dons to host Midlands Universities Final

Stadium:MK, one of the host venues for the England 2018 World Cup bid, is to host the Midlands Universities Final between Loughborough University Under 19s and Nottingham University 1s.

The Midlands Universities League provides Saturday football for the University teams across the Midlands. Both finalists competed in the East Premier division and knocked out the top two from the West Premier in the semi finals. Nottingham knocked out Warwick University 3-1 away from home thanks to a brace from Ryan Birch and a strike from Seb Seward. Whilst Loughborough overcame Coventry University 4-1 at home thanks to a brace from Nick Aldrich and goals from Lee Thomas and Jack Rogers.

'It's fantastic for both sides to finish their year at a League One ground. MK Dons will be a fine setting for the final which looks to be a very close game on paper' said league chairman Ryan McNamara.

Loughborough finished four points above Nottingham to win the East Premier, but Nottingham remain the only side to have beaten the U19s this year.

The game will take place on Monday 10th May 2010 at 5.30pm kick-off (gates open 4.30pm). Tickets for the match are priced at £5 students and £10 non-students, available from the players.

England squad for 2010 to be announced

James Ellis and his England staff will announce the group that will represent England this year across its fixture list. Look out for the group announcement this week.

England training and selection camp complete

The 1st and 2nd February saw 40 players from HE institutions take part in a packed traiing and selection camp at Warwick University. On day one the players trained in two sessions with all of the England staff. In the morning of day one Jack Robinson, form the Manchester United goalkeeping staff put the goalkeeping group through their paces. In the evening Football Psychologist from the FA Dr Matt Pain, put the players through a workshop on leadership and team dynamic. On day two the players played in competive 11 v 11s for the staff to run the last rule over the group.

The players at the camp plus though who were not in attandance due to injury will now be considered for the final squad to take part in this seasons fixture list

Training and Selection Camp

This years England training and selection camp has been moved to early February this year due to this years bad winter weather conditions. However, with fixtures coming up it is a great opportunity for players from many institutions to state their claims for a place in this years squad.

For those players who have been through the system this year that have yet to reply confirming your availability, can you please ensure you all check your email and reply accordingly.

This year the programme will be commencing once the BUCS season has been complete. With games against League opposition, the British University Games, Guernsey, the Isle of Wight, French Universities on home soil and a trip to Estonia, the season is packed full of challenges for the players.

Taylor gets 2 year deal

Rob Taylor (Worcester) who graduated in 2007 and went on to sign a two year deal at Port Vale, has now been offered a new two year deal under new manager Micky Adams. Rob was part of the England Universities system who successfully won the British University Games in 2007.

We all wish him well.

Dawn gets role at US Soccer

Dawn Scott who has supported student football for many years now and more recently has taken up the post of Sport Scientist for the Men's England programme has been offered a great opportunity across the Atlantic with US Soccer. Dawn will become Fitness Coach for the US Women's National Soccer Team and Women's Youth National Teams in March this year.

Dawn has made a real impact on Women's football here in England where she has been Head of Sport Science and Fitness for Women's football at the Football Association and has played key role in the development of Hope Powell's group's success over the last few years. Dawn has also supported two Great Britain teams at the World University Games.

Within our programme Dawn has really helped develop the image and professionalism of what we do. She has made a real impact on the players and staff she has worked with and can take pride in seeing the players come through and develop as a story of her good work. We will of course miss her, but we would like to wish her all the success in the world as she emabrks on this very exciting venture.

Thanks for all your support SCOTTEE, from all players and staff who have been part of the programme.

The Midlands are CHAMPIONS!

This years Regional tournament winners are the Midlands, who are the first team ever to win the tournament back to back. Congratulations to Glyn Harding (Worcester), his staff and players for achieving this.

The tournament was played in great spirit and we are really glad that we have been able to deliver the tournament for the third year running giving more players the chance to represent their region and stake a claim for the England squad.

The England training and selection camp players will be announced this coming week.