STEVE PLANT, Atherton LR's Director of Football, has unveiled his blueprint for the future of the club.

His plans involve turning the club into a major player in youth development -- something high up on the FA's agenda and one which he believes can serve LR well for years to come.

The plans involve three main areas . . .

To set up a soccer academy for the club based along the same sort of lines as those run by professional clubs.

"We will initially set up three age bands -- 8/10-year-olds, 10/12-year-olds and 12/14-year-olds -- with weekly training sessions being given by qualified coaches at our Crilly Park ground," said Steve.

"We will not be treading on anyone's toes, particularly clubs who already do a tremendous job in providing football for the local youngsters."

All the players attached to the club's academy will still be able to play for their junior clubs at weekend, although Steve does plan to arrange a series of friendly games for the club's academy teams against, hopefully, some local pro club academies or schools of excellence.

Steve added: "The academy will provide excellent coaching on a weekly basis for boys of a good standard and we will be looking to hold trials in the next month or so, although any parents who feel their son would benefit from being part of this venture can call me on 0161 777 9287 to find out further details.

"The aim is to provide quality young footballers who will, hopefully, get picked up by a pro club or, if not, progress into our 1st team in years to come." The second part of Steve's plans involve setting up advanced soccer schools for boys and girls aged between six and ten years initially.

He said: "I want to provide football coaching for children of all abilities, and, whereas the academy will be for the more talented players, the advanced soccer school will be aimed at everyone. I am putting the word 'advanced' into the title only to describe the level of coaching which will be provided. Qualified coaching should be available for every child -- not just the gifted.

"I have visited a few coaching schools and most of them are run purely as money-making ventures and after-school baby-sitting services. Ours will be nothing like that. It will offer value-for-money and provide a level of coaching aimed at improving every child's abilities."

The main emphasis will be put on fun and enjoyment. Details of this new venture will be issued shortly.

The final part of the plans is aimed at linking the youth development side of the club with the senior set-up, with two new teams planned at U17s and U18s level.

"Atherton LR is known for having good youth teams in the past," added Steve. "Our new Under 10s youth side will become the flagship of our entire youth set-up."

Steve is now looking for people to get involved in his ambitious plans from qualified coaches to interested parents, and also an experienced person to help set-up and manage our youth team.