Spalding United have announced that Spalding Youth FC will be returning to the club for the first time after breaking away a number of years ago.
The move, which has been welcomed by CEO Leigh Porter, first team manager Gabriel Zakuani and youth chairman Sharla Slayven, will see 17 teams representing the club under the Spalding United banner for the 2021/22 season – from under-6s through to the senior men’s first team.
A pleased Porter said: “This is fantastic news as we continue to build the club in the right way.
“From day one there were a number of key areas we wanted to address as soon as we could and a full youth set up was one of the priorities. This is the first step of an ongoing process and we are pleased to be able to start work. The involvement of youth, including girls and boys throughout the age groups into senior football, is key to any club that has aspirations to grow and integrate into the community over a sustained period of time.”
Youth chairman Slayven added: “Everyone involved from Spalding United Youth are delighted with the link up with Spalding United.
“A pathway to senior football has been on the agenda for a number or years and after several meetings it is apparent that we share the same passion both on and off the pitch. The future for community football in Spalding has just become exciting.”
First team chief Zakuani has also welcomed the move. He said: “This role for me is more than putting 11 players on a pitch every week, it’s about being part of a team that bring the whole club forward.
“Everyone involved with the first team wants to engage with the junior section and make them feel part of one big squad bringing the club together.
“I can’t wait to meet the teams and see lots of Spalding shirts involved at our next game.”
If anyone would like to help with the development of the youth set up in any way they can email [email protected]
The youth department of the club are constantly looking for help with facilities, volunteers and sponsorship. To get involved email mail [email protected]
