Ex-Wakefield chairman to lead youth drive

Former Wakefield chairman Simon Turfrey has joined Ossett Albion to launch a new Football Development Centre at the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Unicorns.

The First Division North club announced on Monday that Turfrey would soon be a regular face around Dimple Wells, pictured, following talks with chairman Dominic Riordan and vice-chairman Paul Riordan to take the club forward.

Turfrey has been appointed as head of youth development for the planned facility which is set open in time for next season and the Unicorns are now seeking local business partners to aid their plans.

Albion chairman Dominic Riordan said: "I know Simon from my time at Ossett Town and I was aware of his plans for Wakefield FC before their demise. Simon met with Paul [vice-chairman] and I and spelt out his plans for the club. We were highly impressed and believe the three of us can work together with the current committee to take the club forward."

In the statement outlining their plans, the club added: "The first step will be to set up the Ossett Albion Football Development Centre, a huge step for the club who realise that education of footballers from an early age is pivotal to accelerating their development, which will in turn aid the club in the long term.

"As part of their education the club will advise young players on social behaviour, attitude towards sport, nutrition and diet as well as the regular coaching that the juniors already supply.

"Another huge task is the upgrade of current facilities at Dimple Wells. A lot of work will be undertaken to ensure the club offers any starlet the correct facilities to realise their potential."

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