Youth football in Ashford is blossoming, says Shell

Monday 07th May 2007

Vince Shell has issued a rallying cry to all Ashford Town fans to watch his under 16’s side play Deal Town at The Homelands on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Shell’s side are currently in third place in the table and welcome a Deal side that are just one place below them.

And with Ashford fans starved off football, Shell has given them an option.

“No Premiership games next Saturday, no first team, no reserves, withdrawal symptoms already, I have the perfect solution, come and watch the under 16’s at Homelands,” he told www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk.

“The game has the added bonus that a win will ensure the team finish third - and it’s free!”

With the club announcing changes at boardroom level recently, Shell admitted that there is a feel-good factor at the club.

“There’s a real good feeling at the club but we do need it to reach from top to bottom,” he said.

“One of the ways is to get a good crowd to this Saturday’s game and show the youth teams that they are part of a big set up.

“The under 10’s will be ball boys and we are hoping that the other youth teams will come out in force to create a real big game atmosphere.

“We have had some really good crowds at our games this season, over 100 on three occasions, which is excellent for a youth game, and each time the boys have risen to the occasion.

“This years presentation went a long way to creating a real club spirit and the idea came from within the first team ranks and we need this to continue.

“I feel the youth set up is finally beginning to reach its potential and we are beginning to see the benefits of everyone’s hard work.”

Meanwhile, for those interested in having the chance to join Ashford Town’s youth sides next season, the trials for all of the squads take place next Sunday, 13^th May.

Registration for the under 11s, 12s and 14s commences at 09:30am, with the trials starting thirty minutes later.

Registration for the under 16s and 18s starts at 10:30am with the trails starting at 11am.

Please contact Stephane Ollier on 07747 531 786 or Ashford Town FC on 01233 611 638, mentioning that you read this article on www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

Visit Ashford Town’s website: www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk

Ashford Town v Deal Town
Kent Youth League Under 16 Southern Division
Saturday 12^th May 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Homelands, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ