Stones swoop for Charlton youth coach

Maidstone United have made a significant summer signing, adding respected youth development professional Damian Matthew to their backroom team.

Matthew, an Under-18 youth coach for Charlton Athletic Football Club, joins the Stones as a football development advisor.

The role will be on a freelance basis and he will continue to work the Addicks. One of his key objectives will be to develop a programme of football activities and coaching sessions for young people in the Maidstone area.

Matthew told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk: "I'm very proud as a boy who developed through school and district football in Maidstone to be able to give time and experience to hopefully develop future footballers or coaches for Maidstone United.

“I remember watching the Stones at London Road and I'm sure once the excellent community and development programme is up and functioning it will be well supported by the local community.

"A big factor in the decision to help develop youth football in Maidstone was the people already in place - chairman Paul Bowden-Brown, general manager Bill Williams, youth chairman Mike Cogger and development officer Adrian Smith - and their belief and enthusiasm."

Chairman Mr Bowden-Brown said: "It is a coup for us to bring someone of Damian's experience and professionalism to the club.

“Everyone is looking forward to working with him and learning from his considerable experience in this area of work.

"I'm determined that Maidstone United should play an active role in the local community and developing opportunities for young people to participant in the national game is very important to me and others at the club."

The club's youth development section is sponsored by Whitehead Monckton, one of the largest legal practices in Kent.

Managing partner Mr Graham Jones said: "Whitehead Monckton is proud to be supporting Maidstone United's youth development section.

“The addition of Damian shows the club's commitment to the borough's young people and will take this area of work to another level."

Article courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk