Kentish Football 
Maidstone United is committed to find the next Chris Smalling, says youth manager Ian Grieves
Work is progressing swiftly on the site of the Ryman League Division One South club’s new home and everybody connected with the club cannot wait to move home after a nomadic existence.
Ian Grieves, 52, who manages the club’s Ryman Youth League side, says youngsters cannot wait to strut their stuff in the county town.
He said: “We’ve got a number of very, very good players coming through who can actually contribute to the new stadium in July, so we’re all very excited about that and we’re looking forward to it.”
One player who has progressed through the youth ranks at Maidstone United into the first team and has made a name for himself is Chris Smalling, who was snapped up by Premier League Fulham and is now a regular for arguably the biggest club in the world, Manchester United.
“Chris is an absolute role model,” admitted Grieves.
“He played for us, not only at youth level and obviously he played for the first team.
“Hopefully we can unearth another player like that. It is difficult but Maidstone has got such a commitment to youth players coming through the youth sections. We need to provide these players so when we get into the new stadium we’ve got a good side there and we can continue the progress we’re making.”
Grieves added: “Driving past the new stadium, it’s looking very, very encouraging down there. It’s going to give an identity back to all of the teams, not only that, it’s going to be good for Maidstone and the local community.”
Meanwhile, the Maidstone United Football Academy is looking for talented young footballers who are interested in continuing their education after their GCSE’s this summer and their development as a footballer throughout next season.
All aspects of the course, from the education through to the football training and matches will be based at the club’s brand new £1.6million stadium on James Whatman Way.
In a statement published on the club website www.maidstoneunited.co.uk, chief executive Bill Williams said, “The football academy will provide first class education and football coaching. The government want school leavers to continue in education or move to employment or work-based training. As a club, we are delighted to offer young people in Maidstone and Malling the opportunity to combine their further studies with sport.”
Applicants should have a keen interest in football and the desire for a potential career in sports coaching and activity leadership. They must be aged 16 or 17 years old as at 31 August 2012.
Academy trials and interviews (by appointment only)
Trial 1: Wednesday 1 February (09:00 to 14:30)
Trial 2: Tuesday 14 February (09:00 to 14:30)
Trial 3: Thursday 16 February (09:00 to 14:30)
Trial 4: Wednesday 29 February (09:00 to 14:30)
Trials will take place at Cobdown Sports and Social Club, Station Road, Ditton, ME20 6AU.
To book a place at the trials/interviews, please contact Peter Atkinson, programme manager, on 07872 456221 or email p.atkinson@sreducation.co.uk
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