Matt Walker has left his post as Centre of Excellence Manager to become the Assistant Academy Director at Championship Club, Watford.

Matt has coached within our Youth Development Scheme since its inception in May 2006 and took up his current position in September 2008.

Jez George, Director of Football told cambridgeunited.com, "During his eighteen months in this role, Matt has made a major contribution to the success of our scheme and the development of our young players through his hard work, knowledge and attention to detail. Matt also walked alongside me (and mostly in front of me!) from Torquay to Cambridge last year so that we could raise enough money to ensure the immediate future of our Youth Development Scheme.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Matt and he leaves with our sincere best wishes. Watford are a tremendous club, with a highly respected Academy, that links in with an educational establishment at Harefield to allow their Under 12's to Under 16's the chance to combine football and academic development on a daily basis.

"With our huge catchment area, it is not practical for us to emulate this model but the idea did inspire our own Schools Project, which sees our youngsters taking one half day out of school each week. Matt oversaw this new initiative and his conscientious and professional approach, with both the parents and participating schools, has been the major reason for the positive feedback we have received. The younger players have benefited hugely from the extra contact time allowing more technical practices on the training pitch and analysis within a classroom environment.

"We are always proud at Cambridge United to develop young players to achieve success at a higher level and have the same philosophy when it comes to staff. We are pleased to have played a part in Matt's progress and I am certain that he is only just embarking on what will be a successful career in football. He will be a tough act to follow but we have received over 50 applications for the job, a real indication of the high regard there is for our youth programme. We will take our time making an appointment to ensure that not only will the new person have the right qualifications and experience but also shares our beliefs and philosophy in how to develop young players."

Everyone at Cambridge United wishes Matt well for his new role at Watford.

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