Torquay United Community Sports Trust (TUCST) have their new manager, Jamie McInnes.
Southampton born McInnes has been easing himself into the role over the last couple of weeks having taken over from former head, Craig Hutcheson. He has joined TUCST and moved to the South West from his previous home in the Isle of Wight. Jamie has a wealth of experience from his previous roles coaching football and as a primary school PE teacher.
“Since I have been here all of the staff have been very welcoming and they seem very dedicated,” said Jamie.
“I’ve been teaching in primary PE in schools for the previous 8 years and coaching with grass roots clubs to work my way up the ladder. I’m completing my UEFA B coaching badge at the moment. Getting into a football club has really been my aim and with Torquay being a lovely part of the world, it was kind of perfect. From one sea-side town to another, very similar in lots of ways.”
TUCST already have a considerable presence in the local area, but Jamie is looking to add to the work that they do.
“My main aim is to build upon all of the good work that is already been done. We’re looking to branch out and work with different groups. Football Tots for 2-4 year-olds is something we’re looking at. Also, something with the elderly in nursing homes. It’s all about getting out into the community and targeting groups that aren’t already involved.”
Girls’ football is a rapidly expanding area, and Jamie is well placed to build on the groundwork already in progress.
“It is something that we are involved with, but we’re looking to take on more work in that area. Having just got involved with the Torquay United Ladies team, we’re looking at creating some kind of pathway between the two.
That brings us to the latest developments with Torquay United Ladies as Jamie has been appointed 1st team manager, taking over from the management team of Vicki Fannon and Craig Kendall who have done so much to take TULFC forward..
“I’ve always coached boys and men’s football so it is a new challenge for me,” said McInnes about his new role. “Ladies’ football is taking off massively and working with the ladies’ team will be a nice link to the Community Trust as well.”
“As part of my UEFA B coaching I was looking to work at a high level, so I applied for the role and everything happened very quickly. I’m in the middle of putting together a coaching team (see TULFC on Twitter) and we’re looking to build for next season. We have trials setup for June 28 & July 5 at Seale Hayne at 7pm (TQ12 6NH).
“We have a league meeting soon and there’s potential for a promotion but nothing is confirmed yet.”
Everyone at Torquay United Football Club would like to wish Jamie the best of luck in his new roles.
Follow TUCST on Facebook & Twitter.