ONE of the many exciting projects being undertaken at Plainmoor over the busy summer months involves the evolution of our fledgling youth system into a more cohesive and structured Football Development Programme.
As part of that process, we are delighted to have a strong partnership with Torquay Academy that will allow us to extend the Football Development Programme from Under-8 to Under-18.
These players in the 16-18 bracket will generally be studying at Torquay Academy as part of their Football programme and given regular opportunities to develop their game with the first-team coaching staff at Plainmoor and our Head of Youth Coaching Shaun Taylor.
As part of the growing our Football Development Programme, we have been in discussion with the South-West Peninsula League over our possible involvement in their competition next season. We have concluded that whist participation ion the South West Peninsula League may form a part of our programme, our involvement for the 18/19 season will be premature.
We have taken the decision to pursue a pathway that will allow these youngsters in the 16-18 to join our first-team for training sessions and development / reserve games during the course of the season.
Torquay United would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Peninsula League Secretary Phil Hiscox and his colleagues for their assistance through this consultation process. We will keep in close contact through the season and if there is an opportunity, will be opening discussions for the 19/20 season. As always, our scouts will be keeping a close eye on the talent emerging as we move forward to the next stage of establishing our Football Development Programme and working closely with Torquay Academy in identifying and nurturing potential future stars for Torquay United.