CCFC Chairman Steve Twamley was elected Chairman of CCYFC at their recent AGM (conducted via video conference call) after committee members unanimously voted him in favour.  Twamley assumes the role effective immediately, meaning he is now Chairman of both the adult section and the youth club.

“The link up is something we’ve been passionate about for a long time” said Twamley.  “We identified our lack of a youth presence as an area which needed addressing so we’re delighted that we’ve been able strike up this partnership, after years of the two clubs operating separately.  On behalf of everybody at the club I would like to thank ex-Chairman Wayne French for all he has done over the years.  As he stands down he leaves the youth setup in a really healthy position, and we believe that the foundations are in place for a successful future.  We’re confident that establishing this link will be hugely rewarding for all parties.”

Last season we introduced a new under-16s team to the club – managed by Craig Parker and Paul Markham they enjoyed a good first season in the Red & White Stripes, playing in the City of Southampton Youth League and they look set for a strong campaign at under-18s this term.

Furthermore, we can now boast an additional 12 youth teams ranging from under 8s to under 18s.  Everybody at both clubs is excited about becoming aligned.  We all share the vision of building a one-club culture by creating a fun, inclusive environment where young players will feel inspired to develop their skills; with the ultimate goal of providing them a direct pathway into adult football.

“Everything here is rapidly headed in the right direction” Twamley continued.  “Ever since the move to our new ground at Oakwood Park the club has gone from strength to strength.  The season may not have finished the way everybody wanted but since then we have appointed strong managerial teams for our 1st and Development sides and reinforced the playing squads considerably; added a few new faces to the backroom staff and welcomed some new sponsors to the club; we recently received a substantial grant to improve our playing surface – of which work has already begun; and now this merge with the youth section has been confirmed it really is a massive boost for us all!  In recent years, far too often players would drop out of football after finishing with the under-18s team.  Now we’re offering our youngsters the opportunity to progress naturally into our adult sides.  In the past we have profited when players like Liam Magee, Jordy Parker, Ben Clarke and Harry Davies have emerged from the youth setup – if we can produce a few more like them we’ll be over the moon!” 

If you or your child would like to become involved with our Grand Old Team then please don’t hesitate to make contact.