The development squad has been managed by the Community Sports Trust, but Bournemouth hope that this move can further strengthen the pathway for local players into the first team.
The squad has competed against senior women’s sides and has tasted success in recent seasons, including in the Hampshire Cup, with a number of players training with and progressing into the senior squad.
The primary focus of the development squad is to produce players for the first team, and while they have tasted success, including winning the Reserve League Cup this season, this move has been carried out as a part of the club’s wider strategic goals.
(Image: Richard Crease)
Head of women’s football Bruce Suraci told the Daily Echo about their ten-year plan, and this forms a part of that, bringing through and developing young players for the first team.
The club confirmed that they would be announcing the appointment of a pathway manager and head coach for the development squad.
There would also be additional roles including an assistant coach, performance analyst, performance coach and physiotherapist, which will be “introduced in due course”, a statement said.
(Image: Newsquest)
The club’s statement said: “The decision forms part of AFC Bournemouth Women’s wider three-year and 10-year strategic plans, which place player pathway development and the progression of local talent at the heart of the club’s long-term vision.
“The enhanced integration between the Development Squad and first team is designed to create clearer opportunities for young players to progress through the system and represent AFC Bournemouth Women at senior level in the years ahead.”
The club thanked senior CST Manager Andy Battison, head of CST Steve Cuss, head coach Graham Parkes and the wider coaching staff for their work with the development squad.