Steyning Town FC is to re-establish its youth team in a bid to encourage more youngsters to play.

The club is opening its doors to playes aged 15 to 18 years, with current first team player Gareth Dutton set to take over the management of the side.

The 31-year-old has played for Steyning Town FC since 1992, apart from one season at Storrington and another at Upper Beeding.

He said: "I'm coming to the end of my days as a player and I want to get into coaching, and would rather coach kids.

"I'm doing my FA Level 2 coaching badge this summer, and getting a youth side back is massive for the club.
"We had a youth team a couple of years ago, but that was only for a season or two.
"We haven't had youngsters coming up through Steyning Strikers to play for the club for 10 years-plus now.
"We want kids at Steyning Strikers to want to progress to play for Steyning Town."

Steyning first-team boss Mark Dalgleish added: "Gareth is whole-hearted and everyone will respect him. He understands football and will put a lot of effort in.

"It's very good for the club and something we've tried to do for a few years. Hopefully, we'll now be able to become a Charter Standard club."

The club hope a number of Steyning Strikers current Under-16 squad will join the youth side, along with students from Steyning Grammar School.
Dutton, who has been at Steyning since 1992, apart from one season at Storrington and one at Upper Beeding, said: "We'll probably struggle in our first season because the teams we will come up against will be a couple of years older and stronger.

"But, while we know it will tough to start with, it will all turn out good for the club."

The youth team will train with the senior and reserve sides, and Dutton added: "It's good to get the youth players in and around the senior players.

"And there will be individual coaching for goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and attackers."

Dutton will be helped out by current Steyning first-team defender Steve Duffett, and former Wick player, Ben Shelford.

Anyone interested in joining Town's youth team, aged between 15 to 18, can contact Gareth Dutton on 07909 911438 or Mark Dalgleish on 07788 713954.

To help celebrate the new youth set-up, Steyning are holding an Open Day for their match with Peacehaven on Saturday (April 26). Entry will be free for all spectators.

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