Summer drive to fill youth ranks

With the new Gingerbreads academy opening in September, officials at the Meres believe this summer offers the perfect opportunity to strengthen all their age groups from U5s upwards.

Youngsters joining the Premier Division club's youth ranks can look forward to learning from FA or UEFA Qualified coaches, backed by assistance from staff at the academy and the first team. All youth team players will also receive a season ticket to the 2016-17 EVO-STIK NPL Premier Division campaign.

Academy manager Alex Cross is looking to fill the ranks of club's youth team squads as quickly as possible.

He said: “We have had a lot of interest from players already wanting to come into the club's youth and I think it’s mainly because the parents are seeing the progression routes that are in place, not just in football but academically as well.

"There is a three year plan in place including boy’s and girl’s football, continuous professional development events for coaches, fun camps and becoming an FA Chartered and Community Standard Club."

Players hoping to register should email: GTFCyouth@outlook.com. Alternatively, call Alex Cross on 07950350198.

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