New Chesterfield academy has had "positive response" for player recruitment

Neil Cluxton says there has been a “really positive response” for player recruitment for the new Chesterfield FC Junior and Youth Academy.
By Liam Norcliffe
Published 20th May 2020, 13:17 BST
Updated 26th May 2020, 17:14 BST
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The Spireites announced their new academy structure last month after they were forced to scrap the old system because the club has been out of the Football League for the last two years.

The new academy, which will be run by the community trust, aims to work more closely with grassroots teams as well as provide an educational programme.

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Academy manager, Cluxton, said: “We’ve had a really positive response, mainly in player recruitment at the moment.

Neil Cluxton will head up the new academy after being John Pemberton's assistant last season.Neil Cluxton will head up the new academy after being John Pemberton's assistant last season.
Neil Cluxton will head up the new academy after being John Pemberton's assistant last season.

“We are currently looking to build a squad of around 18 to 22 players for what will be an under-19 youth team now.

“We are also looking to play in a regional under-21s league with some scope also for some senior football on a Saturday so we are going to need quite a strong squad to fulfill these fixtures and to support the first-team at the same time.

“We think we can get a strong team together to be quite successful and like I said before we need players who can step up and support the first team as and when required.”

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The youth academy will enter an under-19s league and players will take part in a flexible, full-time educational programme.

The new Chesterfield FC academy.The new Chesterfield FC academy.
The new Chesterfield FC academy.

The junior academy will enter the Junior Premier League and face teams from around Sheffield, Doncaster, Leeds, Scarborough and York.

Those in the junior academy will still be able to play for their grassroots team as well as their school because the club will no longer fall under the Football League restrictions.

The Spireites are looking for some of their ex-players to get involved in the coaching side and a number of current first-team players have expressed an interest, Cluxton said.

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The club is keen to hear from any local businesses which can help with sponsorship.

“We are looking for the whole community to get in and around what we are doing,” Cluxton added, “We are looking for local companies to sponsor the kits or help out with the transport costs or the facility costs.”

More information can be found on the club’s website or by emailing [email protected]

Related topics:SpireitesChesterfieldFootball LeagueYorkScarborough