Crewe Alexandra boss Dario Gradi has given his full support to the Walk for Change. Dario Gradi and Crewe Alexandra are synonymous with youth development having produced the likes of David Platt, Danny Murphy, Neil Lennon and Dean Ashton through their renowned academy. After meeting Director of Football Jez George last week, Dario expressed his views on the campaign and his opinion that the case currently being fought cannot be argued with.

On the first day of the Walk Dario will meet Jez at Crewe's fantastic training ground at the end of the 23-mile hike from Wrexham. Dean Saunders, whose son is coached by Dario in Crewe's Academy, will be joining Jez for this first leg. Dario will be giving press interviews at the end of day one to articulate his support of the campaign and his views of youth development in this country in general.

Dario is pictured below with Cambridge United's Centre of Excellence Under 8s - Under 12s, along with Jez and coaches Angus Meichan, Nigel Hurrell, Marc Tracy, Tom Pell and James Cutting.

Jez George said "It's a tremendous boost to the campaign to have someone of the stature of Dario Gradi lending his support. Crewe are an example for all small clubs - they have produced numerous players for their first team, the Premier League and national teams through their investment and commitment to youth development. It shows that players can be produced for the highest level even by clubs in the lower echelons of the Football League. As current rules stand, even a club with Crewe's reputation would lose their funding and protection if their first team was to be relegated from League Two."

To mark the end of the Walk the R Costings Abbey Stadium will be playing host to an 'all-star' game featuring guest appearances from Cambridge United's near and distant past, plus Martin Ling will be unveiling his 2010/11 squad. Tickets are on sale now from the Ticket Office. For information on advertising, sponsorship and hospitality packages please email youth.development@cambridge-united.co.uk or telephone the Club on 01223 566500.

You can follow Jez's progress on Facebook and Twitter for exclusive updates throughout the Walk, including updates regarding high profile celebrities' involvement.

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