A PROGRAMME has been launched at Malvern Town which aims to offer a pathway for talented youngsters in the area to flourish.
Since owners Ted Grizzell and Chris Pinder arrived at Langland Stadium in September they have spoken about the need of strengthening the club’s links with the community.
And Grizzell hopes the u14s Player Development Centre (PDC) pilot, which will have its first open trial on Friday, February 28, will help to get more people involved with Malvern.
The 24-year-old also revealed the six-week scheme could be the start of further programmes being launched as the club looks to bolster its youth set up.
“It is vital that we create a pathway for players at a young age, but also that we engage with the whole community,” he said.
“We want to make sure that the whole family feels they can be a part of the club and this PDC pilot is just the starting point for us.
“Next season we will have a pilot u 13s programme and it will hopefully continue from there.
“Within a four year time frame we aim to have programmes running from u10s and we will have an u18s team which we are looking to establish next season along with an u21s side.”
However, Grizzell insisted they did not want to compete with other junior clubs in Malvern as he said the programme will help players develop their skills.
The club’s sporting director, who has previously worked at West Bromwich Albion, said he will also be looking to acquire coaches as the youth system continues to grow at Malvern.
“I will be leading the pilot and I will always have an overseeing role to make sure they are instilling the DNA and philosophy,” he said.
“But we will be recruiting coaches to deliver these programmes, so it is something which we want to be investing in and it is not something which will be a throw away thing.
“We want this to be a chance for those who are within current grassroots club who think they can make the next step as this is a coach development opportunity as well as player development centre.”
To apply or for information contact Ted Grizzell at [email protected]