Guernsey FC are delighted to confirm that we have been accepted into the Southern Combination U23 East Division for the forthcoming season.
The Green Lions’ Development Team will compete in the league for the first time, with a 16-match inaugural league campaign awaiting the squad.
Designed to nurture the next generation of Green Lions, the Development Team will help bridge the gap for aspiring Guernsey FC players looking to make the step up from youth and local football into the first team.
The new side will also play a vital role within the club structure by providing valuable game time for members of the senior squad throughout the season. It will create opportunities for players returning from injury, building match sharpness or pushing for a place in the first team, ensuring every player continues their development in a competitive environment.
Importantly, all Development Team league fixtures will be played on midweek evenings, ensuring there is minimal impact on the local football calendar and weekend league programme.
The concept has been developed in close consultation with the Guernsey Football League Management Committee (GFLM) and local clubs. Once the fixture list has been confirmed, all parties will continue to work together to ensure players can embrace opportunities in both local football and the Guernsey FC Development Team, creating a pathway that benefits players and the wider game across the island.
The Development Team will be managed by Leon Meakin, assisted by Jace Leaman, with Guernsey FC veteran Jamie Dodd completing the coaching team. Having made more than 400 appearances for the Green Lions, Dodd brings a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of what it takes to succeed at the club. Together, the trio will lead the club’s newest side into its inaugural campaign while helping to develop the next generation of Green Lions.
Speaking about the Development Team, Leon said: “We want to ensure there is a clear pathway for young players coming through with aspirations of becoming regulars in the Guernsey FC first team. This Development Team will give those players the opportunity to train and play within our environment while continuing to develop their game in competitive football.
“It will also provide valuable opportunities for members of our senior squad to build match fitness, return from injury and continue pushing for first-team places. Ultimately, it strengthens the whole football pathway at Guernsey FC and provides another stepping stone for players with ambition.”
Jamie Dodd added:
“Guernsey FC has given me so much over the years, so I’m delighted to be able to give something back by helping the next generation of players. Having played more than 400 games for the club, I understand the commitment and standards needed to make that step into the first team.
“This Development Team is a fantastic opportunity for young players to learn, improve and experience the environment that Guernsey FC is all about. I’m looking forward to working alongside Leon and Jace to help develop players and hopefully see many of them go on to represent the Green Lions for many years to come.”
Guernsey FC would like to thank the Southern Combination Football League for welcoming the club into the competition, and the Guernsey Football League Management Committee for the constructive discussions that have taken place throughout the process. By working together, we can provide more opportunities for local players while ensuring the Development Team complements the existing football structure on the island.
The Development Team’s inaugural league campaign will begin later this summer, with fixtures to be announced in due course. The division’s full line up of other U23 sides includes Bexhill United, Eastbourne United, Jarvis Brook, Little Common, Newhaven, Peacehaven & Telscombe, Ringmer and Saltdean United.
