North Somerset
Regional Talent Centre
Grass roots & beyond
Why Craig started North Somerset Regional Talent Centre.
Craig grew up in Weston-super-Mare, supported by a close-knit family and driven by a single-minded love of football.
That passion, and the encouragement around him, carried him from grassroots Sunday matches into professional academy systems with Bristol City, West Bromwich Albion and Manchester City, as well as a trial at Liverpool FC.
Experiencing these elite, structured environments gave him a clear understanding of the standards, mindset and systems required to develop players at the highest level.
Throughout his journey, one thing became clear: to be noticed, challenged and given genuine opportunity, he had to step outside North Somerset. For ambitious young footballers in the area, pathways were limited and travelling beyond the region was often unavoidable.
Driven by the belief that talent should never be limited by location, Craig set out to change that.
Craig’s vision was clear: to bring academy-level coaching and meaningful opportunities to North Somerset, raise local aspiration, and create an environment where young players could be seen and supported without leaving home.
Since its formation in 2007, North Somerset Regional Talent Centre has welcomed countless young players and helped more than 1,000 secure contracts with professional academies.
Many have progressed into careers in the professional game, with some earning international recognition - including call ups from England and Wales to as far away as New Zealand.
In recent years, boys and girls from the programme have competed against leading academies from around the world, including FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid….
….opportunities that once felt far beyond reach for youngsters growing up in North Somerset.
Impact beyond contracts.
For Craig, the impact goes beyond fixtures and contracts.
The Talent Centre is built on belief, standards and opportunity, showing young players that where they come from should never limit where they can go.
Today, nearly two decades on, Craig continues to drive North Somerset RTC forward, redefining what is possible locally. And despite how far it has come, it still feels like the journey is only just beginning.
Inclusion, care & opportunity
Alongside high-quality player development, the Centre has prioritised welfare, inclusion and long-term opportunity.
When Lucy joined the project, her passion for inclusivity and wellbeing strengthened pastoral leadership. This led to the introduction of a dedicated safeguarding team, supporting both players and their families.
Career pathways.
North Somerset RTC develops more than footballers. Through high standards of care, inclusive practices and a strong focus on mental health awareness, young people are supported as individuals, not just athletes.
The Centre also operates an in-house coach development pathway. With particular emphasis on supporting early careers, this project creates routes into leadership and careers within sport.
Intentional and inclusive recruitment practices ensure that groups not traditionally represented within football are welcomed and supported to thrive.
The start of a new chapter
Most recently, in January 2026, the Centre joined forces with North Somerset Sports Foundation.
We are delighted they have established a permanent base at the Hand Stadium on Davis Lane.
This partnership enables a clear, joined-up pathway. Grassroots football, Post-16 education and emerging senior opportunities create stability, progression and inclusive access for young people across North Somerset.
To learn more about North Somerset Regional Talent Centre, visit their dedicated website.
Curious to find out more about the opportunities at North Somerset Regional Talent centre? Why not follow them on Instagram!