23/09/2025
Over the past few years, I have been privileged to serve as Head of Youth Football, At the end of last season I took on the club President Role, while also working in the senior space at the club. Balancing these responsibilities has meant that I won't be able to dedicate the time and energy that the Head of Youth role truly deserves. With that in mind, I have made the hard decision to step down from this position.
The Youth Academy began as a dream shared by Paul Brown and myself over four years ago. We saw a need—too many young players were missing out on quality coaching, meaningful playing opportunities, and a clear pathway from junior to senior football. In our first year, we launched a single U13 team, made up of our own children, their friends, and a few players who had been overlooked elsewhere. The growth and development we saw in that group lit a fire in us to build something bigger.
That vision led to signing an MOU with Glenview United, a junior club whose values aligned with our own. In year two, we expanded into an U14 Federation team alongside a combined U13 West Hamilton United / Glenview United side in the local Saturday league. Again, the progress of the players proved we were on the right path.
This year—our third season—we proudly fielded teams in the U13, U14, and U16 WaiBOP Federation Youth Leagues. Even more rewarding was seeing our pathway come to life: four female academy players stepped up into our Women’s First Team, while five male academy players made their debuts for our NRFL U23s. These milestones highlight the commitment and purpose that has guided the academy from the beginning.
Although I’ll still be around in smaller ways, supporting from the sidelines and helping where I can, I believe now is the right time to hand the reins over to someone with the same passion and drive that has carried us this far.
I want to thank all the players, parents, coaches, committee, club members, and sponsors who have been instrumental in building this academy into what it is today. We’ve achieved a lot together, and I know the best is still to come.
Watch this space.
Lee Massey