Cambridge United are pleased to announce the appointment of Jez George to the Board as Director of Youth Football.

His remit is to implement the long-term vision of the club in producing home-grown players and to ensure that structures are in place to aid the progression of these youngsters into the first team. Jez will continue to work closely with Gary Brabin and his role will encompass the signing of scholars on first and second year professional contracts and overseeing their development.

All other first team matters will remain under the jurisdiction of Chairman George Rolls.

The Board feel this appointment is crucial to the full integration of the Youth Development Scheme within the club. Despite the well documented issues relating to their lack of funding, the club has already seen the fruits of their efforts, with Josh Coulson and Robbie Willmott already established members of the first team squad, and newly-signed Rory McAuley making it three graduates of the scheme in less than three years.

In addition, two other youth products have made their first team debuts and another, Sam Cutler, has played regularly in the Blue Square Premier this season with Weymouth.

Jez is delighted to take on his new role but stressed the position was for the Youth Department and not him as an individual: "The crucial factor in accepting the offer of the Board is that it is about a long-term philosophy, not individuals," he said. "It is fantastic that Cambridge United view the development of local young talent with such importance that, as Head of Youth, I have been invited to join the Board."

Jez will continue in his current role of heading Cambridge United Youth Development, which includes managing our team of scholars (CRC) in the Ridgeons Premier League alongside youth team coach, Nolan Keeley.

"This team forms the pinnacle of our youth structure, and the role Nolan Keeley plays in developing our scholars through many hours on the training ground should not be underestimated," Jez commented. "His knowledge and attention to detail is second to none. However, the scheme involves over 1,000 youngsters and the scouting network for 6-11 year olds which is created by our 20 Development Centres underpins everything.

"Tom Pell is doing a fantastic job in managing the growth of this system without compromising the quality or individual attention given to all the players. With a structure in place to identify the most talented youngsters within these centres, we feel that our recruitment to the Under-9 Centre of Excellence squad each season will continue to improve.

"We already have exciting talent in the three youngest squads that have been recruited since our arrival at the club, and whilst we lack strength in depth in our 12's-16's, there are still potential scholars in these age groups.

"Matt Walker, our Centre of Excellence Manager, has all of the qualities required to improve these players and the scheme in general. We already have plans in place to increase our contact time with our 9's-12's from next season through a partnership with Comberton Village College, which will involve day release from school for these youngsters. Matt is the perfect choice to implement this innovative project."

Whilst the re-formed youth scheme, which is essentially cost-neutral to the club, has already proved a success, Jez believes it will be another seven years before it can truly be judged: "We are delighted by the impact we have made in such a short space of time but we are under no illusion about the challenges that lie ahead.

"Despite our lack of funding, we still use Football League clubs as our benchmark and endeavour to constantly improve the scheme. We are relentless in our demands of the players and ourselves. However, we have to be realistic.

"Cambridge United lost all of their Centre of Excellence players when the programme collapsed in 2005, and the only groups not affected are our current Under 9's, 10's & 11's. When you start from scratch, it takes ten years to have all of your own players in the system. At that point, the first group we signed as Under 9's will be 18 years old and looking for a professional contract.

"That is why, regardless of changes in management or personnel within the boardroom, youth development must be a consistent long-term policy to pay any dividends. George Rolls has talked about the importance of stability and this is absolutely crucial in bringing through young players."

Jez cites the supporters as the biggest asset of the club and is excited by the future: "I believe the only way to achieve sustained success is through hard work and creating an environment of trust, honesty and common purpose. This is how Cambridge United Youth Development operates. From Nolan, Matt, Tom, Julie and all our part-time coaches, our staff show the humility to work together, passion and total commitment to their jobs. I will try to bring this philosophy to the main club and will endeavour to ensure there is a production line of talented youngsters progressing into the first team for many years to come."

Chairman George Rolls welcomed Jez to the Board and explained the background to his appointment.

"We see youth development as a key element of the future of the football club and we are fortunate to have one of the finest people in that field running our youth set-up.

"Jez and his team have put in place firm foundations for the long-term future of the club's development of young players. The best comparison of where we want to be in terms of youth development is Crewe Alexandra, who are renowned for their development of players with the full backing of the club and the supporters."

The directors feel Jez's appointment will enhance the Board and Rolls added, "Alongside his skills in youth development we feel he is a very astute man who is obviously working on a low budget here. We feel he will add a lot of firepower and energy to the board, which can only be good for the club, and we are delighted to welcome Jez to the Board."

[Why ARE U's Youth Denied Funding?]

Make Your Click Count For The U's - talk about it on the Message Board!

You are respectfully reminded that any article, as with all content on this website, unless otherwise stated, is subject to copyright © and the Official Cambridge United Website must be acknowledged as the original source including all quotes.

AT090203