Chelmsford City Football Club is launching a unique young footballers' development programme this summer.

It is aimed at attracting players who have the potential to become senior players at the club - and it is starting with boys aged nine and 10 through to 16.

Under the guidance of City manager Gary Bellamy and his School of Excellence scheme the club is inviting youngsters to join up with the respective age groups of the City Colts to gain special training and coaching as they grow up.

"This is going to be the lifeblood of the club in the future and that is why we are putting so much emphasis on the scheme now through the Colts' set-up," he said.

"We are also linking up with Nationwide League clubs, Ipswich Town being one, as part of the development plan and we want to encourage the best of the local young players to join."

Bellamy added, that, with City about to submit new plans for their new Stadium at Boreham they would have the facilities and amenities, such as all-weather playing surfaces which would be installed first once the scheme was approved.

"We will have a great deal to offer to young, prospective professionally footballers who we want to see come through the ranks and proress to the first team and beyond," he said.

Any youngster, or parent, interested to find out more about the new scheme, can contact Gary at the club offices on 01245 353052.

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