Following a six-month application process, these RTCs will deliver coaching and education to the best young female footballers in the country, on three-year licences.

The clubs have been grouped into three tiers, dependent on their facilities, workforce, coach and player development, performance service provision and the number of age groups they will work with.

Sunderland AFC has been awarded Tier 1 status – the highest possible.

RTCs will replace the former Centre of Excellence model and will deliver enhanced coaching and support designed to improve the development of elite female players through the FA Girls’ England talent pathway.

As part of the changes, RTC age groups will run alongside the academic year, starting in September.

For the first time, girls’ U10 and U12 teams will compete in Charter Standard youth leagues, to enable players to further develop both technically and physically.

The older age groups will compete in FA organised fixture programmes against other RTCs.

The changes have been led by The FA’s Elite Performance Unit, which was set up in 2014 to manage the development of elite female footballers and coaches, to benefit the domestic and international game and support winning England teams.

Player trials for Sunderland’s RTC will be held from Monday 6 to Saturday 25 June depending on age group.

To apply, download an application form at www.foundationoflight.co.uk – applications must be completed by Wednesday 1 June

For more information on the other RTCs across the country, please click here