Motherwell Football Club are pleased to announce details of the Youth Development revamp currently taking place at the club.
From the turn of the year Chief Executive Leeann Dempster, in partnership with an independently appointed consultant, undertook a strategic review of Motherwell’s youth infrastructure.
That reported last month with a number of recommendations in line with the new Club Academy Scotland from the Scottish Football Association and the shift to U20s football by the Scottish Premier League.
Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said, “The youth development side of the club is an area which, up until recently, I haven’t really got overly involved with. With the changes brought forward by the SFA and also the new Under 20 league, it was timely to take the opportunity to review our operation and importantly see where we could add value and resource.
“We have been producing some great young players but that doesn’t mean to say we can’t aim to be better and produce more. I’ve had complete buy in from everyone at the club on the changes we’ve proposed and indeed, by virtue of the fact that the full board are behind the review, there is a lot of excitement about the changes and improvements that are sure to come.
“Gordon Young was previously responsible for our Under 19s team on a day to day basis, as well as the Youth Development role and also all of the scouting and, being honest, that is far too much to ask one person to do. It has been under resourced for a long time.
[pullquote]We have been producing some great young players but that doesn’t mean to say we can’t aim to be better and produce more. [/pullquote]
“We have made some changes to our operation and some new posts have been created so we are currently recruiting. We have decided to split and enhance the responsibilities of Gordon who has, with immediate effect, been appointed as our Academy Director, wholly responsible for all players seventeen and below.
“Gordon’s move across to focus on the Academy has created a post for a new Under 20s coach who will sit and provide a vital bridge between the Academy and the First Team. It is a critical role for the club.
“We are also recruiting an Academy Recruitment Coordinator – or in old money, a Chief Scout who will report directly to Gordon. We have some great scouts working for the club but we need more and, importantly, someone coordinating it. We need to identify young talent as early as possible and make sure they are committed to us as early as possible.
“Finally, as a part of Club Academy Scotland which from October will split into various levels, we are aiming to be involved at the highest level possible. To do that, there are a couple of additional requirements one of which being the recruitment of more Youth Licence holders so we’re are again advertising for those positions, someone who is Motherwell minded or someone who is looking to take the next step in football.”
“We are extending the deadline on applications for a couple of days to see if any other applicants come forward.”
Interested applicants should apply via email, including their CV, to mfcenquiries@motherwellfc.co.uk