Steve Kittrick to monitor young talent
AFC TELFORD manager Steve Kittrick will be keeping a close eye on the club's new under-18 set up in a bid to bolster his first team squad.
The Bucks have confirmed they will run two new teams from next season. And Kittrick said: "The introduction of the new under-18s is exciting news for both the club and the community as a whole.
"Fans want to see the best local talent on show, and this development will give the management a chance to assess them from day one. I will be taking a keen interest in their progress."
The Bucks, who shelved their previous under-18 side last summer, have made no secret of the intention to establish a youth team at that age group ahead of the 2015/16 campaign.
Director of youth Dave Topping confirmed the plan, saying: "The club are adding a new under-18 boys side, which will play Saturday football within the Midlands Junior Premier League."
The club already runs youth teams from under-8 to 16 level and this latest addition to the youth programme is aimed to provide a pathway from there into the first team squad.
Telford will also run an under-18 development squad made up of players taking part in a new full-time, two-year BTEC Level Three in Sport.
The course, which is open to 16-18-year-olds who are looking for a career in sport, will be run through new training partner Coaching Connexions, whose lead lecturer is Bucks midfielder Sean Clancy.
It offers an extended Diploma in Performance and Excellence and will be based at the New Bucks Head Ground.
Clancy added: "It is a fantastic programme that will provide an exciting opportunity for good local talent.
"I am personally looking forward to delivering this to help the students progress down the path towards first team football at this club."
For further information contact youth@telfordutd.co.uk.
