A new soccer centre of excellence was unveiled today which aims to put Telford on the map as the best non-League football centre of its kind in the country.

The Telford Football Excellence & Education Centre (TFEEC) will be based at Telford College of Arts and Technology. It will use the latest training initiatives, including video analysis and diet and fitness programmes, to produce the football stars of the future.

The TFEEC is based on an existing centre of excellence which was opened in 2005.

It has been launched through a partnership between AFC Telford United and Telford & Wrekin Council, supported by Coca-Cola Championship high flyers Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.

And thanks to technical support from Wolves, the new centre will be able to offer enhanced coaching and education for more age ranges and will include a new regional coaching academy.Unlike other footballing academies, its members can continue to play for their local club or Sunday league team.

“It will also offer educational facilities for young stars.”

Jez Moxey, Wolves’ chief executive, said: “Wolverhampton Wanderers and AFC Telford have always had close links with each other.

“This exciting new project will strengthen that relationship and create even more opportunities for both clubs to grow and maximise local talent.”

Steve Wellings, Telford & Wrekin Council’s chief executive, said: “It’s great to have this with Wolves and, given their start to the season, it couldn’t come at a better time.

“We always want the best for our children and young people and this certainly fits that aim.”

Chairman of AFC Telford United Lee Carter added: “This launch is an exciting opportunity for the club as it allows us to tap into local talent and grow the club from the grass roots up.

“Our aim is for the centre to become a model for a wide range of ages and abilities and plans for the future include excellence centres for girls and people with disabilities.”