Ebbsfleet United’s youth setup is to undergo a complete transformation as it brings the U9–U16 section – previously run independently of the club – under the expanded umbrella of its flourishing academy.
Having completed a deal with Wrotham School for the use of their 3G pitch for training, the new setup has also resulted in a number of appointments to the coaching team.
Former Watford, Dagenham & Redbridge, Boreham Wood and qualified UEFA coach Gerard Prenderville will be the new youth team coach, while former fleet favourite Stacy Long becomes lead development phase coach with responsibility for the U13-16 age group. Also returning in a coaching capacity is Osei Sankofa, who will be lead foundation phase coach for the U9–U12 section.
Vice chairman Peter Varney said, “It is our long-term objective to develop an Academy that produces young talent for the first team. We have already signed five youth team players on full contracts and they will be loaned out to gain much-needed experience.
“Daryl McMahon did a brilliant job in establishing the Youth Team last season and he will continue to oversee the Academy, but the appointments of Gerard, Stacy and Osei will provide vital support and they all bring with them excellent coaching credentials and a passion and enthusiasm for developing young players.”
In a further move, former Fleet defender Dean Pooley will take on the role of Academy Administrator while Steve Watt will leave the club at the end of July and the club wishes to thank him for his efforts as academy coach under Daryl McMahon.
