REDDITCH United have formed an exciting partnership with The Albion Foundation in a bid to help find more stars of the future.
This mutually beneficial partnership will formalise a two-way pathway for players from West Brom’s community football sessions and Player Development Centres into the Valley Stadium and vice-versa.
Richard Holmes, Worcestershire Development Officer at The Albion Foundation, said: “There will also be some close work done in developing the coaches of Redditch United, with various CPD (Continuous Professional Development) events for coaches over the course of the season.”
The first of these took place in mid-December when Holmes delivered a two-hour CPD event around ‘Developing Creativity’ in players.
Julian Workman, Director of Football at Redditch United, had this to say about the new partnership.
“Over the last two years Redditch United have rebuilt the junior section of the club and through hard work it has now been recognised, firstly by the Football Association awarding the club Community Charter Standardship and then this being followed by the club partnering up with The Albion Foundation.
“To have a Premier League club working closely with the Reds is fantastic for the young players as now being part of the Reds junior section gives them an opportunity to develop their skill sets and possibly fulfil their dreams.
“The partnership is also working to support the coaches at Redditch United, which was demonstrated recently with the first of several planned CPD events.
“It is absolutely fantastic to be working with such a club.”
Kimmy Dillon, Redditch United U12 Girls coach, said of the coaches’ CPD event: “It was a very informative evening with lots of new ideas to try. I am looking forward to implementing them and working with Richard and The Albion Foundation in the future.”
Holmes added: “It’s great to formalise a link with such a fantastic community club as Redditch United FC.
“We’re always looking for ways to strengthen our community links in Worcestershire and hopefully through this link we can develop a number of young footballers and aspiring coaches.”
THE REDS were beaten 1-0 in Boxing Day’s Southern League Premier Division encounter at Stratford Town. Liam McDonald’s side are now seventh in what is an extremely congested battle to occupy the play-off positions ahead of Saturday’s home game against Merthyr Town.
