Amibitous Bakewell Town unveil new club structure

Club bosses say it will give all players a pathway from their U6 side up to first team level.

The forward-thinking scheme is part of an overall project by the CMFL Division One South side to raise standards and integrate themselves further into the community.

The club runs two senior sides and seven junior teams and are currently applying for Charter Standard status.

Dave Cottrell,chairperson of the club’s junior section, said: “It makes sense, in a town like Bakewell, that a senior and junior club have a lot in common and should be one club.

“It means the kids have a pathway to be able to progress. There is a new kit, a new badge and a new identity to the club.

“We have a vision for the junior clubs to be the most inclusive in Derbyshire, which covers female teams, special needs teams and disabled teams.”

There are currently 167 active players across all of Bakewell’s teams.

Teams run include U8s, U10s, U12s, two teams at U14, U16, U18s, a men’s development team and a first team.

But it is hoped that number can be doubled in the coming years as a result of future plans to expand the junior set-up.

“There were two separate hard-working committees who both worried that getting involved with the other would create more work for them,” added Mr Cottrell.

“Bringing them together can add strength and energy to the whole thing. We can be a bigger asset to Bakewell as a team.

“We can easily double the amount of players that we have with the right plans. We are investing in all of the parent coaches at level one.

“Every coach has to have a minimum level one qualification. When we get back to normality we have a level two coach ready to be decked out in Bakewell Town kit to visit primary schools in the area to put on coaching sessions.

“We are also working with the Lady Manners High School to promote female football and all things Bakewell Town.

“We will be happy to take on as many kids who want to play football, there should be no boundaries.”

The club are currently actively looking specifically for a manager and players at U8’s level, girls of any age, but especially in the 11 to 14 years-old age group, plus a coach, U18s players and manager as well as players and volunteers for all other age groups.

The club confirmed they are also happy to invest £200 in any interested coach to pay for them to take their FA Level One coaching badge. Any interested should contact Dave Cottrell on 07808 786 000.

Next season the whole club will be launching its brand-new Club badge – which symbolises its passion for Bakewell – including the bridge, church and river.