Shrewsbury launching new development centre

The project, based at Prees Cricket and Recreation Club, aims to fill the gap between grassroots and Academy standard football.

Town's youth scouts have had to fight to secure promising youngsters in a rural area targeted, in particular, by nearby Stoke City and Crewe Alexandra.

Town's youth academy was awarded grade three status under the Premier League's Elite Player Performance Plan, beneath both Crewe's long-established youth scheme and Stoke's.

But Prees project manager Gary Wharton believes the new initiative will give Shrewsbury the opportunity to funnel younger players aged 5-13 into their youth set-up if they impress.

Wharton said: "There is a big void between grassroots and academy standard football after the EPPP was introduced, and this centre in Prees will attempt to bridge the gap," said Wharton.

"Our aim will be to give the lads the best of both worlds in that they will be offered good coaching so they can develop as players, but at the same time they can also stay at their local clubs."

The Prees club has had £30,000 of investment to bring its pitches up to scratch, and an upgrade of its artificial surface to 3G is in the pipeline. Three development centres will source the best talent across Shropshire.

Wharton said: "We have already signed up boys from Shawbury, Whitchurch, Wem, Prees, Ellesmere, Hodnet and Market Drayton, and we have begun forming teams in the age groups.

"This area is rich in junior clubs. I think the centre will offer up-and-coming players the chance to come in and develop to the level, where they could later join Shrewsbury's academy."

Town's head of youth Wayne Evans will attend the opening of the centre on Saturday at 10.30 am. Any parents interested can contact Wharton on 07713 383 903.