AFC Telford apply to launch U21 side

The National League North club hope to create a further link between the under-18s youth team and Gavin Cowan’s first-team squad.

Telford current have boys youth teams ranging between under-10s and under-18s.

Bucks chairman Andy Pryce said: “We’ve just applied to have an under-21s team next year as well.

“Whether it fulfils and we can do that in the current times remains to be seen, but it’s something that myself, the board, Luke (Shelley, head of football operations) and Gav are looking to get another rung on the ladder so we don’t lose these potential gems.

“They might not be quite ready aged 17 or 18 but give them another year or two could be playing for AFC Telford. From my point of view under-21s could be a very big step in that.”

“The girls and ladies teams have been growing massively, hats off and credit to the Luke and his team over on the youth section to keep that going over the last 12 to 18 months.”

Bucks academy age groups were allowed to meet again from last Monday after the easing of government restrictions on grassroots sport.

Telford have also maintained a good relationship with neighbours Wolves, despite the Premier League side opting to move their under-23s to instead play at Kidderminster’s Aggborough stadium.

Chairman Pryce revealed that Telford would ‘love’ to welcome them back to the New Bucks Head – after the pitch and drainage was completely renovated last year – and said the club have held talks with another Premier League club over holding under-23 games in Telford.