Bedale AFC are in a better place this season after launching a development team, says club chairman Martyn Coombs.
The club says the philosophy for the team is about creating an environment where the young players could grow physically and socially as the season wears on, rather than being results-driven.
The team is managed by Jack Jennings, who is assisted by David Proud and Dave Goodwin.
Chairman Martyn Coombs said: “I feel we are now in a far better place this season developing our young players.
“At the start of the season, these players were so introverted as they embarked on playing open-age football but now, they have all integrated so well, it is truly heart-warming to see.
“Out of adversity came the opportunity for the club to re-set and slowly start building bottom up, with a new squad of enthusiastic youngsters.”
Bedale AFC have recently received the 1 Star England Football Accredited Club status after successfully negotiating the standards, including the young player pathways criteria.
The Football Association invited the development team to St George’s Park for a day’s coaching as part of the recognition.
Set within 330 acres of Staffordshire countryside, the site boasts 14 elite outdoor pitches, including an exact replica of the Wembley surface, a full-sized indoor 3G and a futsal arena.
Coombs said: “We feel this invitation is a validation of the new approach the club has, and the visit will provide the highest-level coaching for the players, but also an opportunity for up to eight of our coaches to learn from the best at the nations football headquarters.”
The visit has been confirmed for Sunday, April 20.
Last week, the club secured a confidence-boosting 8-0 victory over Saltburn FC when at one stage, all the players on the pitch were aged 16-18.
Coach David Proud said: “We have had so much interest from lads approaching their 16th birthday who want to play open-age football and can see the progression they could have at Bedale, that we may have to resurrect our reserve team next season.
“Currently, we are having to tell three or four players each week, we cannot fit them all into the matchday squad of 15.”
Bedale AFC wear a Heck! playing kit and club bosses say they are delighted to retain the partnership with their sponsors, who have supported the club for the past eight seasons.
Bedale finish the month off with a game at the Heck Stadium against Thornaby on Saturday, February 22.
Kick off 2pm.
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