Development Team

The club have decided that it will remove it’s Development Team from the Cumberland County League from next season.

In a change of tack with young player development it has been decided that they will begin next season competing in the under 18s section of the Junior Premier League.

Most of the current squad are still young enough to play U18 football and it is felt that allowing them to continue in the JPL will help them bridge the gap from youth to adult football. Most players will have progressed with Reds in the Community through the various JPL age groups and are aware of the quality at this level and the increased commitment to travel.

“It’s clear we needed to look at the needs of these young players and give them the best chance of making the step into the first team players of the future, it’s a fact that we need to produce our own local talent more than ever, we have some great coaches involved in our youth pathway and having spoken with them at length we feel that it’s time to try something a little different.”, said Vice Chairman Richard Lewthwaite.

“Another 2 years in the JPL environment will benefit them greatly as they progress towards the first team environment.”

The same group of players will also contest the FA Youth Cup for the forthcoming season and will hope to repeat last year’s promising performances.