Friday, May 18th, 2012
Redditch Utd ‘football in the community’ is an exciting new initiative at the club with the sole aim of involving children of ALL AGES from within the local community in football related activities whatever their level of ability.
The ‘football in the community’ project will be run by ex-professional footballer, Graham Hyde, who has been employed by the club on a full time basis as the club’s first ever ‘Community Development Officer’ to oversee this exciting new venture.
Community Development Officer - Graham Hyde In Action
Graham is a qualified UEFA ‘A’ licensed coach who made over 150 premier league apperances for Sheffield Wednesday and has also played for Birmingham City F.C. Graham is also the club’s first team and Under 21′s coach.
The ‘football in the community’ project will deliver many ‘soccer camps’ and after school sessions in the future and will also be delivering curriculum based activities within the local schools network.
“I have had some fantastic times in football,” Hyde explained. “I have played in an FA Cup final against Arsenal, UEFA Cup games and alongside players such as Chris Waddle and Des Walker and Paolo Di Canio.
“But this is a new challenge and one which I’m really looking forward to. It’s a fantastic opportunity, both for myself and for Redditch United.
“When I first arrived at the club as a coach in February, it was a whisker away from going under. The chairman has put the club on a sound financial footing but it is vital to build up the links with the community.”
After finishing the recent ‘whitsun week’ soccer camp, Hyde’s next task will be making contacts with the schools, seeing how the football club can work with the children.
“We will be looking to offer something for all ages,” he added. “There will be programmes for those just starting to play through to those heading to college.
“It is going to be a busy time but an enjoyable one. I have worked with some top managers and have built up an understanding of the game. It will be good to pass on some of that advice.”
Hyde will combine his community role with his coaching duties various teams under the Redditch United banner including the new u21s and the first team.
But chairman Chris Swan admits the link with the schools is vital to the long-term future of the club.
“From my very first day at Redditch United, I could see how much the club needed to develop its links with the community,” he explained.
“To have Graham Hyde as our first community development officer is an exciting move for the club and one which I know will pay dividends.
“Graham has a passion for coaching and is so keen to share his knowledge with the next generation. We are lucky to be able to use his skills and experience to enhance what we have at the football club.”
For more information on this and future initiatives please call the club on 01527-67450 or email us at redditchutdfc@ymail.com
