Following the conclusion of the 2023/24 Season, the club have conducted a full review on a number of matters involving the club’s Player Pathway. One of the things highlighted was our Under 23’s side.
Working in conjunction with the New Head Coach, a decision has been taken by the Board of Directors to fold our current Under 23’s side and reintroduce an Under 18’s team to play in the Hampshire and Combination Development League in the 2024/25 season.
Having competed in the Hampshire & Combination Development League Under 23’s Division One this campaign, our Under 23’s side has given the opportunities to Jafer Mahammad-Kier, Preston Woolston, Taylor Crook and Amadou Jallow to be involved in our First Team set-up. Pertaining to this, our Under 23’s set-up also saw Management Team Cliff De Gordon and Ross Betteridge step into interim control of our First Team.
This move is seen as a first step in revamping the Player Pathway at the Football Club as we endeavour to create an opportunity for young people to progress through the club.
Following this decision on our Under 23’s, the club undertook a process of establishing an Under 18’s set-up, which we will be holding a trial for on Saturday 29th June 2024.