A NEW partnership that will foster the progression of talented local youth footballers to the men’s and women’s adult game has been announced this week by Romsey Town Youth FC (RTYFC) and Romsey Town Football Club.

The clubs have agreed to form an overarching Steering Group to agree a football structure that creates a pathway for RTYFC youngsters to potentially transition to the one of the six adult and youth teams that Romsey Town FC will be running next season.

While the Wessex League side and their counterparts at RTYFC will continue to be separately managed by their respective committees and will remain financially independent, they will both actively seek opportunities for collaboration on and off the field that will be beneficial for both the clubs and the town.

The youth team was founded in 1972 and currently has 27 teams across the Under 7 to Under 18 age range including five girls’ teams, a Soccer School for younger children and a soon to be launched Girls FA Wildcats Centre.

RTYFC chairman Simon Jupp said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to formally connect with Romsey Town FC, providing a pathway from youth football into the adult game in the town”.

Romsey Town is currently undergoing its own transformation with a new committee and management team recently installed.

Its ‘Romsey First’ campaign, which promotes business and social engagement with the local community, has had a successful start, with new sponsorship deals announced last week.

Club spokesman Andy Bell welcomed the opportunity for working together with RTYFC . He said: “Both clubs have a great opportunity and dare I say, responsibility to build a strong platform for football in the Romsey area from the superbly run soccer school for children beginning their journey at the age of 5 right up to the adult first team.

“Forging this solid link and development pathway between the two clubs will give young players the route through the age groups, learning and most importantly enjoying their football at the foundation age, progressing through the different stages in development at all skill levels and then supporting them taking their first steps into the adult game.”

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