With their first fixture of the season against Bristol Rovers approaching, www.ytfc.net spoke to Centre of Excellence manager Mo Hopkins about how things are progressing with the Centre of Excellence, Pre Season and Premiership side Everton's interest in one of the centres U16 players.

"We enjoyed good opposition in the summer, playing the likes of Aston Villa, Everton, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur & West Bromwich Albion; this proved a great experience for the players, with some favorable results recorded. he said

"The players understand that high levels of performance are required, along with striving to learn from every experience.

"We (the coaching staff) made some good observations whilst touring, least of all recognising we do have players who can compete with our more established colleagues from the premiership.

"What we have to do though is maintain the growth we've achieved over the last twelve months and push on again.

"I recently viewed an article in a well known Sunday paper; mentioning Everton's interest in one of our U16 players, that's great for the club, the player and the centre, but nothing more than expected, a lot of the players have done really well and shown an enormous appetite to succeed.

"We however want to produce players for Yeovil Town FC, if attention comes our way, it's flattering, but mainly viewed as an indication the players and the centre are doing well.

"What we do need however, like any successful team is strength in depth, were currently in the process of setting up a Centre of Excellence scouting network.

"This will aid the identification of talented players who have the right attributes to move forward with the excellence programme.

"It has also be identified and needs mentioning the hard work the coaches, medical staff and administration have put in to help the boys on their journey.

"Physiotherapist Mark McBride, who's based in Gloucestershire, came to the aid of the tour at a last minute - when full time physiotherapist Phil Cole was asked to assist with  the 1^st Team; we owe him a real dept for his contribution and professional approach.

"Also having Cannons gym available to the older players has added extra avenues of preparation and rehabilitation, John Folley the general manager, has been very good in assisting this process, which has benefitted the players greatly.

"The  'Green & White Supporters Club' have again been instrumental in helping the centre, without their support we couldn't offer the experience the players gain from travelling to other areas of the country, playing high level opposition.

"I see our partnership as one of the reasons we've been able to keep moving on, it's not by any means under valued, they have helped establish firm foundations for the clubs youth system which will continue to develop and grow.

"On behalf of the Centre of Excellence and club, I'd like to thank the Green & White Supporters Club members for their generous support.

"So the beginning of a busy period for everybody; but not without its rewards, the satisfaction of making a positive contribution and seeing progress is a powerful stimulus.

"We must keep applying ourselves and make the most of opportunities to learn."

Copyright Yeovil Town Football Club 2008