Pitmen project to be county leaders

12 Jan 2018 By David Watters

EVO-SIK League Hednesford Town have launched a new partnership to become one of the most comprehensive youth football providers in Staffordshire.

Hednesford Town YDS FC, the official mixed teams of the EVO-STIK League Premier Division's Pitmen, are merging with the dynamic and well organised FC Newlands to form a significant new community club for the area, Hednesford Town Newlands FC.

In a statement on Friday announcing the move to provide organised football development and participation for boys of all ages, the Pitmen confirmed the new Keys Park-based club would be FA Charter Standard accredited with its own management committee and complete financial independence.

By the start of the 2018-19 season, the new entity is expected to field around 30 teams competing in Saturday and Sunday football to complement the growing and successful Hednesford Town Girls FC which is also based at Keys Park, pictured.

The merger will not affect any of the club's current academy arrangements, instead working in cooperation, and Hednesford Town secretary Terry McMahon believes the close relationship the Pitmen will enjoy with a dynamic new club will bring significant benefits to their community.

McMahon said: “This is a very significant event for football participation in the Cannock Chase area. The opportunity to work with a very well structured and managed boys football club in our locality was too good to miss, it will bring so many benefits to both parties.”

He added: “I have been very impressed with [FC Newlands chairman] Stuart Harris and his team and look forward to working with them and supporting them in this important project.”

FC Newlands chairman Harris is now looking for prospective managers and coaches to join their existing staff and help build the project to nurture local talent.

He said: “We are on the verge of building something really special with this link-up. With a thriving youth football club we can offer a realistic player pathway into semi-professional football for talented youngsters around the area. This project also offers us the chance to unite the community and create a sense of pride.”

Images courtesy of @Hednesford_Town/Twitter

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