We are delighted to announce that we shall be launching an Under 18's team for the 2024/25 season, playing in the Lincolnshire Intermediate U18's League.

First Team Manager Chris Rawlinson said,
"We've got an outstanding junior football development set up, with somewhere in the region of 130 young players and a super group of volunteers supporting them. As a club we'd love to see some of those youngsters continuing to develop and one day making it into our first team."

"So it's vital that we establish an Under 18's team, to bridge that gap, and get players ready for men's football. I'm all for youth, and believe me, if we unearth a youngster or two that demonstrates the right credentials, I won't hesitate to give them some experience with us on a Saturday".

Success stories like Declan Johnson who scored the late goal in our recent game against Belper United on Saturday 27th January. Having played 90+2 minutes of outstanding football, being named in the starting line-up and involved in most of our attacking plays. Johnson is just one of our younger players who has made regular appearances in the 1st Team's successful season so far.

Speaking about the new team, Junior Football Club's Dale Houlston said,
"We are working very closely with first team manager Chris Rawlinson and the committee in order to provide an improved pathway for talented young players in the area. A pathway that hopefully provides the progression to first team football for young players that demonstrate the potential. That intermediate step between junior football and men's football is important, as is the timing of stepping up, so an Under 18's team is extremely important."

Manager / Coaches Required
In preparation for this exciting football development, we are inviting expressions of interest from people that would like to be involved in the voluntary positions of manager and team coaches.

If you are interested in becoming an important part of the Under 18's management and coaching team, then we'd like to hear from you. The requirements for the roles are:

Managerial and coaching experience, preferably in a junior or intermediate football development environment.

A football development ethos, with a desire to develop young players in readiness for further progression.

Suitable coaching qualifications and certification, or a desire to commence FA courses with the clubs support.

DBS checks will be required, as well as FA Safeguarding qualification.

A willingness to commence the preparation for next season early, including assisting with our current Under 16's team from now to the end of the season.

Provide suitable training sessions during the week and manage and assist Under 18's games/fixture program on Sundays through Lincolnshire.

Liaise with first team management regarding the development and progress of our youth team players.

If you are interested in being a part of this exciting developmental, contact Mark Bradbrook on 07516 468938 for an initial informal chat.