New players needed for AFC Salisbury

It specifically wants new recruits for its under-16 team.

It would include football in the North Wilts League on Sundays, futsal in the Wiltshire Futsal league, training twice a week in Salisbury, access to a professional strength & conditioning coach, professional sport psychology support, a players’ committee and other opportunities to play.

The club is run by adults with significant experience in youth football.

The focus for AFC Salisbury is to provide lots of opportunities for player ownership to enable young people to lead and learn with confidence in a progressive football environment.

The club said: “We have a great package of support open to young players, including a strength and conditioning coach from a Premier League academy, sport psychology support from Dr Darren Britton, and our patron is Mikey Harris, ex-Salisbury City boss.”

Mikey Harris

Mikey has a UEFA Pro Licence, and was England’s youngest full-time manager with Salisbury City FC in the National League. He has been youth coach at Portsmouth FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC and is now a National Specialist Coach with the FA.

Mikey said: “I am delighted to be AFC Salisbury patron. I’m proud to be associated with, and provide support to, such a player-centred club. The ownership the players have empowers them in a way that allows them to develop a wide range of skills on and off the pitch.

Additionally, the Club Coaching Advisor is Steve Hooper, a UEFA B Licensed coach working with Swindon FC's first team.

Steve said “I’m delighted to be a coaching advisor with AFC Salisbury because the ethos of the club allows the lads to run their club and team the way they want. The life skills involved with such a project at such a young age will help the boys in the future.

"To be a support to them is an honour and privilege.”

Steve Hooper

It costs £15 per month, but access is free to those facing financial difficulties.

AFC Salisbury’s lead coach, Debbie Sayers, is an FA Licensed Coach who was Highly Commended in Wiltshire FA's Youth Coach of the Year category 2020.

Debbie said: “Football has changed. Our priority is to listen to the individual aims and needs of our players and empower them to take ownership of their game as they progress over the next few years into adult football.”

For a try out session from March 29, or to ask any questions, contact Debbie: afcsalisbury@yahoo.com, 07543 654971, afcsalisbury.com. /

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