FOOTBALL: Taunton Town forge links with Richard Huish College (From Somerset County Gazette)

FOOTBALL: Taunton Town forge links with Richard Huish College

2:48pm Monday 30th July 2012 in Sport

Taunton Town FC have announced two important appointments within their youth structure – and the formation of a footballing link with the town's Richard Huish College.

Trevor Jenkins has been selected as the new Head Coach of the club’s Under-18 team while Gavin Step will be Taunton’s Youth Development Officer.

Jenkins, who is a UEFA B licensed coach, will combine his new role at Wordsworth Drive with his responsibilities as Head Coach at Richard Huish College.

He has over 16 years of coaching experience, is Head Coach at the Somerset FA Girls Centre of Excellence, and the Director of Arsenal Soccer Schools in the South West. Jenkins said: “I am excited to be given this opportunity to work with the youth team at Taunton Town; they are an important part of the club and both Gavin and I aim to develop the players to enable them to reach their full potential.

“I am looking forward to meeting the players for their first training session, some of whom I already know through my current role at Richard Huish College.”

Taunton recently staged their Under-18s trials day but the club stress that the door still remains open for any young player who may have missed the trial.

For more information email youth@tauntontown.com.

The association between Taunton Town and Richard Huish College, cemented by the dual role of Jenkins, should enable both parties to benefit.

Harry Lee, Assistant Sports Development Manager at the college, said: “This link is a fantastic opportunity to provide a very comprehensive programme to our stronger footballing students, as well as a club pathway for them to progress and develop their game.”

The appointment of Step is another positive initiative being taken by Taunton to formalise the development of youth football at the club.

Step is currently studying for his UEFA A licence and is employed by the FA as a Skills Coach, as well as being a Head Coach at the Somerset FA Girls Centre of Excellence. He said: “I am very pleased to have joined Taunton to join an ambitious group of people looking to move the club forward.

“My role will be to oversee and develop the youth structure and build on the foundations laid last season under Jamie Ward.

“I will work closely with both Trevor and first team manager Leigh Robinson to help produce players capable of making significant contributions at senior level both immediately and in the future. “A main focus of my role will be to develop other age group teams in the future where we feel it will help the club progress.”

Club chairman Kevin Sturmey said: “I am delighted to welcome Trevor and Gavin to Taunton Town and look forward to all of us working together to build on the foundations already in place.

“They both bring a wealth of coaching experience and want to work as part of a team, dove-tailing very nicely with our new manager Leigh Robinson and our philosophy that young and dynamic team players will help Taunton Town achieve our ambitions to be a sustainable, progressive club.

“Linking with Richard Huish College is another exciting chapter for the future and another positive phase in developing our relationship with the local community.”