What is Centex? CENTEX is a Centre for Excellence for female Under 19 England lacrosse players.  The focus is on the development of young, talented lacrosse players who aspire to national representation.  England representation at Under 19 level is made through this programme ONLY. There are two types of centres – National (1) and Regional (2) – North (1) & South (1) Centex is a non-profit making programme. Who attends the national centre? Generally speaking, players who attend the national centre are those that aspire to, and have the potential to reach national representation. Who attends the regional centres? Regional centres are generally for those who have the potential but may not be ready for Centex-national. Players, as they progress and develop, can and should move from the regional to the national stage.  However, in exceptional circumstances players can attend the national centre from a direct nomination. How does someone get involved? Players are nominated onto the programme by a lacrosse teacher or coach.  Invitations are then sent out to the players. What age can someone be nominated? Players can attend the centre from Year 9 upwards although it is expected that if players show potential they will join the programme at this age and no later – there are limitations on places.  It is expected and hoped that they will remain on the programme throughout their Under19 playing career. What is expected of players on the Centex programme? Players are expected to show commitment, professionalism, a strong work ethic, a good attitude, mental strength and most importantly overall improvement. Where are the centres based? The national centre is based at Berkhamsted Collegiate School. The regional centres are based at Moreton Hall (North) and Wycombe Abbey (South). When are the centres? Dates for 2008 are yet to be confirmed. Contact Head Office, or check back later for more information. Who coaches at the centres? The Under 19, Under 21 and Senior England coaches. Current National Squad members. Current International Umpires. Past National coaches and players. Oversees coaches. All coaches have a wealth and breadth of experience including current knowledge from recent Under 19 and Senior World championships. What happens at Centex? Players are coached in current match preparation skills such as Dy-Flex and SAQ techniques. They are also coached in skill, tactical and fitness development. Diet, injury prevention and treatment, and opportunities available to lacrosse players are frequently discussed. Players all have a personal playing profile.  They are also monitored throughout their time on the programme both at the centre and outside. What opportunities are there for the monitoring of progress? In addition to monitoring during the programme, other opportunities for players to demonstrate their progress include the following fixtures; Home Internationals (Scotland and Wales) Senior England (including World Cup squads) Senior England A, B & C squads England U21 BUSA Senior Territorial Reserves Championships Oversees fixtures (St. Stephens & St. Agnes, USA) What happens after a player leaves the Centex programme? Players may leave the programme for various reasons to include; Personal withdrawal  Withdrawn due to lack of development, poor attitude etc Finishing school playing career In cases 2 & 3 players are advised as to what opportunities are available to them in terms of development strategies.  They will also be provided with contact names for senior clubs, counties and territories in the case of point 3. The Senior England coach observes, whilst coaching, those players who show particular promise for the senior national side and in some cases, after discussion, fast tracks these players to the next playing level.