With a number of the Club’s youth teams enjoying another successful weekend on the pitch, Head of Youth Robbie Herrera has provided supporters with an update on the next generation of United stars.
Kevin Wills’ Under-18s have already been getting positive reviews following the side’s unbeaten start to the South West Counties Youth League, however, as Robbie explains, it’s not just The Gulls’ oldest age-group that are showing promise.
“The 18s have done well again so far, it was a tough game for them on Saturday gone against Bath City, who are a good side, but they managed to overcome them. They won 2-1, and i’s great that they are able to continue their good form.
“The other age groups are coming together nicely as well. The Under-11s are six unbeaten in the league which is great, the 12s won at home to Weston-super-Mare, so the younger age groups are coming through, and we’ve got some good talent coming. Hopefully we can develop them, and nurture them, and get that pathway through eventually to a pro, and into our first team.”
With the wet weather now in full swing, many teams will be finding it increasingly hard to find suitable pitches for their young starlets to hone their skills on. Thankfully, there are no such problems for United’s young stars, thanks to the excellent relationship the Club enjoys with South Devon College, amongst others.
“We’re quite fortunate that we’ve got South Devon College that we’re in partnership with, and Paignton Academy.
“They are two facilities that have done well for us, and there are not many occasions where games are called off, so we are quite fortunate in that respect.
“It takes time, a lot of resource, but we’re trying to do it in the right manner. The Club have been fantastic, and they are right behind the youth. We’ve got some good lads coming through, we need to develop them and look after them.”
Further proof of the successful player pathway at Plainmoor has been in evidence already this season, with manager Gary Johnson, Assistant boss Aaron Downes and a number of first-team regulars attending United’s FA Youth Cup fixtures to show their support. With youth team product Calum Thomas also included in a number of matchday squads throughout pre-season and the early part of 2023/24, the potential rewards are there for all to see.
“It’s great for them to attend and see what we’ve got coming through. For the younger players, they aspire to be professionals, and to see the first-team players taking an interest is fantastic. Asa, to be fair, comes up and has a hand in coaching the 15s with Luke Poole. It’s good and it’s nice to see, especially when the manager and his assistant are there. They’ve got a busy schedule and to take the time, and take an interest. is fantastic.
“We’ve got a system here that works. Calum has done well, he’s had a good couple of years with the youth. Obliviously he’s been given a pro contact and he’s training each day with the first team. He’s been involved in quite a few games – especially in pre season – and he’ s been on the bench recently, so it bodes well.
“If the younger groups are looking at that, they can see that there is a way forward, and there is a pathway through to our first team.”
At the weekend, all of United’s Youth Teams – like their senior counterparts – took a moment to observe a period of silence prior to kick-off, as the various age groups made their own personal tributes on Armastice Day.
“All the age groups paid their respects with a minute’s silence before all the JPL games, so it was well adhered to, and something we thought we should do.”
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