YMCA believe new under-21 academy will see bright future

Horsham YMCA believe a new under-21 academy at the club will pave the way for a bright future.
Horsham FC's ground at Gorings Mead, Horsham. Pic Steve Robards SUS-150429-150954001Horsham FC's ground at Gorings Mead, Horsham. Pic Steve Robards SUS-150429-150954001
Horsham FC's ground at Gorings Mead, Horsham. Pic Steve Robards SUS-150429-150954001

Ryan King will manage the new side which will play in the Southern Combination Football League and he will be assisted by Scot Hardie.

The plans for a number of youth sides have been on the cards for YM for a number of seasons, but have failed to get off the ground due to availability of the Gorings Mead pitch.

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Tenants Horsham, who are in their last year of their groundshare, have used the surface with YMCA’s first team, both playing their home and away fixtures alternatively on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

With Horsham’s under-18s side folding after last season, the pitch is now available midweek and YM have started up a team of their own.

First team manager Peter Buckland said: “We have been wanting to do this for three years but have been unable due to pressure on pitch usage. Now Horsham under-18 have ceased and Horsham are in their last season at Gorings Mead, we can build for the future and this is just the beginning.

“After next season we will also introduce an under-18 squad and become far more active with youth football.

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“Next year our under-21 home games on a Thursday night will switch to alternate Saturdays with the first team once Horsham have gone.”

On the new management team, Buckland added: “It’s a great opportunity for them and a very exciting time for the club. There will be a link between us in the form of Kevin Budge from Downslink /YMCA and he will helping them on all fronts.”

Anybody interested in joining the academy can contact King on 07446977485 or Hardie on 077615940825.

The Horsham YMCA Sports and Community Club will be holding their annual general meeting in the clubhouse at Gorings Mead on Monday, July 25, at 7.30pm. All interested parties are welcome to attend.

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