Bexhill United focus on developing youth

Far from it in fact, because the Polegrove club, who claimed the second promotion spot in Sussex Division Three at the end of the recently-concluded season, has established its very own 'youth academy' for 15 to 18-year-olds.

The proposal, put forward by first team manager Bill Trivett, was ratified at the club's Annual General Meeting on May 4 and forms are being completed for a new under-18s side to enter the Sussex County Youth League for the 2005-06 season.

The club plans to integrate the academy with the adult sides and create a structured training programme for the youngsters, with goalkeepers set to benefit from specialist coaching.

"It's something I've had in mind all year really," said Trivett, who will oversee and facilitate the new initiative. "When I got the job last year, it was something, at some stage, I needed to look at. I think, long-term, it's a really important thing for us to do; it will stand us in good stead. Everybody at the club's keen on this, it feels like a big step forward and it shows we're not just looking ahead to next season, but the next few seasons.

"I used to run sides for Bexhill Town Youth and you got all the way to under-16s and the two clubs (the youths and seniors) weren't joined together so the Bexhill lads drifted off to other clubs."

Chairman Dave Harris added: "I think it's a natural progression for the youngsters coming through to progress further up the ladder and hopefully make us a Division One side."

The bulk of the new under-18s team is likely to be provided by last season's Bexhill Town under-16s side. But it's far from a closed shop because the club is hosting a special trials day for any 15 to 17-year-olds interested in playing next season on Saturday June 11, from 10.30am at the Polegrove. Players wishing to attend or those unable to, but who are still keen on playing, should notify managers Mark Rogers on 215013 or 07818 084453 or Graham Fletcher on 732903.