REDDITCH United have clinched a four-year deal with major kit manufacturer Sondico, whilst also unveiling their new junior set-up which will incorporate the club’s 50 youth teams.
As part of the Reds’ Academy, all teams in the club’s thriving youth section will come under the new management structure, which will also be responsible for summer camps and education in matters including nutrition.
Training courses will also be organised to encourage parents to start out on their own coaching careers, perhaps leading to a future role within the set-up. There will also be courses in stewarding, first aid and refereeing to offer the entire Redditch community the opportunity to benefit from the facilities and expertise.
Nick Spencer and Jim Nicholls have been appointed joint Reds Academy managers, responsible for the development of players through the age range and overseeing their training on the club’s state-of-the-art 3G pitch.
Club chairman Chris Swan said: “We have worked hard to put a structure in place and I’m delighted to be able to unveil the Reds Academy.
“We will have 600 children of all ages using the 3G pitch every week, a figure that rises to 1,000 when you factor in all those involved with our partner clubs including West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City.
“Our thriving Bournville College programme, which will have nearly 60 children studying full-time at the Trico, will also come under the Reds Academy and we’re excited to be able to offer courses and events for parents and those in the community interested in getting involved.
“In Nick and Jim we’re lucky to have two people at the top of the Reds Academy who have a real passion for the club. Their knowledge and experience will create a blueprint for the future, building on the hard work that has already gone into building such a strong community club.
“This is an exciting time and means there is a pathway for juniors looking to progress from junior football into the adult game.”
The four-year kit deal with Sondico, who also supply Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and Oldham Athletic, will see a range of training tops made available to parents.
Jamie Hall, sales manager at Sondico Professional, said: “We are extremely pleased to announce this four-year partnership with Redditch United. Not only do we have the opportunity to showcase our brand and exceptional product range, but we are able to do so with a fantastic club.
“They are a terrific, community-minded club and they have a superb vision for the future that we are delighted to share in.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the full-time football programme run in conjunction with Bournville College should head along to a taster session at the Trico Stadium on Saturday, June 24.
The event runs from 10am to 2pm and will include training sessions on the 3G as well as the chance to learn about nutrition. Students will need to be in sportswear and bring moulded football boots to be able to use the 3G facility.
For more details about trials for the Reds Academy age groups, contact Redditch United Football Club on 01527 67450 or email [email protected].
