Gloucester City AFC look to the future as they announce a new structure that will support the first team and raise the bar for the clubs stars of tomorrow.
Next season will see a first team reserves squad to be overseen by assistant manager, Daf Williams. The U21’s will morph into a new venture announced later today but the biggest change being the growth of the scholar program in partnership with St Peter’s High School. Following a lengthy review it has been decided that Gloucester City AFC will enter the U19’s National League competition and bring the current U18’s in line to offer a full time play/study program.
The above changes alongside the First Team will be known as the Professional Development Pathway (PDP). This will give academy players and parents the opportunity to explore what it takes to become a professional player but also continue to keep a strong level of education.
First team manager, Lee Mansell said:
“We are a club that has a strong connection with the local community and we want to bring young, local, exciting talent through our system. This season we have made a commitment to look at as many of our young players and giving them first team experiences. Those players that have shone through and taken those opportunities need to be tested at the highest levels we can offer. We have seen players make the bench for us and a few on loan but it’s now about tying that all together in one program that we can oversee and mentor. St Peter’s High School gives us an educational partner that has built a timetable to enable us the time to develop players we rate highly at the club and involve them in the first team should they earn their place.”
This new look program will boast a new look coaching staff with Mark Cook, Colin Taylor, Nick Reiger, Josh Taylor and Nathan Bullingham chosen to take it forward.
CEO of Gloucester Sport, Jay Marriott said:
“Some tough decisions have been made this season in order to build a structure we think will work for the club moving forward. Loan players Olly Hulbert and Lucas Tomlinson have shown us the level we need our young players to achieve and this is the program our staff believe can help us be successful. I’m excited for our five coaches coming onboard that will give us a great blend of experience, continuity and youthful creativity. They will work closely with the first team to open the pathways and create opportunities for our youth. I personally wish them the best of luck for a much deserved opportunity.”
With our current academy players already offered their place for next season we are offering players from outside the program a chance to trial.
Please click the link to find out more about the program and trial dates: https://www.gloucestercityafc.com/scholarship
Trail dates to attend:
Tuesday 10th May - u18/19’s only
Thursday 12th May - u18/19’s only
Tuesday 17th May – u18/19’s only