Due to the new E.P.P.P. rules concerning academy youth football, a number of professional clubs have disbanded their youth programmes.

To continue supporting and developing young footballers either released from professional clubs or via Hemel Hempstead Town FC U7s - U16s youth programme, Hemel Hempstead Town FC will be structuring a professionally run Youth Development programme:

 

U18s Academy Programme
Academy Manager - Steve Boone
Head Coach - Ryan Gordon

U17s Elite Programme
U14s - U17s Youth Development Manager - Paul Woolfrey
U17s Manager - Pete Cooper

Youth Development Programme
Youth Operations Manager - Barrie Crane

 

 

For any players released from Centre of Excellence/Academy level who are looking to return to a Professional environment at U16 level please contact us now :

Steve Boone - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ryan Gordon - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Players released by professional Clubs or players that have come through Hemel's youth programme and recruited through the scouting department will have a fantastic opportunity to achieve their goals by either / eventually playing first team football for Hemel Hempstead Town FC or if the opportunity presents itself to return back to the professional game full-time.

This change of direction will disband with the current reserves programme and will focus on youth development at U18s level.

The new staff on board bring a wealth of experience with them in what is an exciting era for the club :

Steve Boone currently combines a scouting role at Premiership Club QPR alongside England 'C' scouting duties while managing Hemel Hempstead Town FC 16s - 18s Academy programme. He has previous experience in U18 Development at Barnet FC.

Ryan Gordon - Academy Head of Coaching - Ryan is currently completing his A-Licence, brings a wealth of coaching and scouting experience to Hemel Hempstead Town FC, previously working at Arsenal FC Academy for 5 years coaching and scouting some of England's finest young footballers, he also has previous experience with Southend United, Barnet FC & Luton Town. Ryan was also AFC Wimbledon reserve team manager, developing a number of players from the reserves into first team players noticeable in there Ryman Premier, Conference South & Conference Premier promotion teams. Ryan is also an England 'C' Scout. Ryan's coaching experience in Europe has taken him to Clubs such as FC Barcelona, Internazionale FC, CF Valencia and Le Havre FC.

Paul Woolfrey - Is Hemel Hempstead through and through, he played for the 1st team at 15 years of age and knows the Club inside out. In season 2011/12 Paul combined roles managing the Reserve Team whilst overseeing Youth Development. In season 2012/13 Paul will be heading up the U14-U17 Youth Development programme which is aimed at producing the future Academy prospects at HHTFC.

Peter Cooper - Will be the U17s Team manager and will be supported by Paul Woolfrey. The U17 team will play it's games programme in the EJA and is the natural development group and stepping stone into the U18 Academy squad.

Barrie Crane - Barrie has been an influential and important member of the backroom staff at HHTFC within the Youth and Reserve structure. Barrie has been with the club for a number of years and shares the enthusiasm and ambition of the Club.

AIMS

The aim of the programme will not only be to develop winning teams but to improve individual players technically, tactically, mentally and socially, the focus will be to provide a learning environment to empower players to become better people and better footballers.