Football Focus FF86 WEB | Page 14

Stonehaven Youth FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/FOOTYFOCUSMAG “I’ve sponsored the club for the last two years as an ex-colleague (Gordon Farquhar) was involved because of the good work they did with the youth. Everyone at the club is doing a great job and I wish you all the best for the future.” David Wade 14 Issue 86 club has had a reasonable season, some teams within the club doing better than others. We have had success at some levels, one of our age groups gained promotion which is fantastic, we will look forward on seeing how they develop and grow in the higher league next season. “We still have our small sides going through the summer and then when we get there will take a break, see where we are while our older teams will look to recruit and get ready again for next season. “Our belief is that youth level is where the game is developed; I am a big supporter that players will develop at different ages and we all in youth development need to recognise this, I believe this is missed and winning takes over rather than concentrating in developing the players. “Luckily at Stonehaven we have three amateur teams and a Junior team so the transition should in reality be seamless. There is the age gap of course but with the right interaction with those teams from 17 and 19’s age groups we should manage the transition well. We have players that have gone on into the senior game without issues. “We are an accredited community club with the SFA and have the community club award. Our biggest challenges are the continued pressure on administration not being able to move with the times into digitisation, keeping volunteers engaged with the sport based on these soft issues. “Our ambition is to continue to sustain what we have with ambition to grow, in terms of player numbers but also on the pitch; we have some good young teams in the making which I believe will do well at the 11 a side game. “Our girl teams are just getting stronger each season in terms of numbers and playing. I think we will see a greater influx of girls into the club over the next five years. And of course would be delighted if we could win more silverware, but ultimately at the club we want to see player success both on and off the pitch.”