A FORMAL working partnership was agreed between Walsall FC and prominent local junior club, Wyrley Juniors FC in March 2005.
Wyrley Juniors have been in operation for 23 years and boast no fewer than 22 boys teams and seven girls teams from Under-7s to open age, making them one of the largest clubs in the country. They have enjoyed plenty of playing success over the years in the Walsall Junior Youth League and are one of only 120 club nationally to hold the prestigious FA Community Club Charter. "We are delighted to have been identified by Walsall FC as a club with an excellent reputation not only for producing young players with ability but also for its organisational strength off-the-field," said Wyrley Juniors Chairman, Keith Hardy. "We already have nearly 20 ex-players with League clubs, including at least three with The Saddlers, and this partnership should ensure that these numbers grow rapidly.
"The fact that Wyrley boys could go on to play for Walsall will also set us apart from other clubs. Walsall FC have a fine reputation for looking after and improving the skills of players and we are delighted to have linked up with this well-run Football League club."
Saddlers' Chief Executive, Roy Whalley added: "We identified Wyrley Juniors as a club with an excellent playing strength and a track record in producing players of the ability we are looking for. They are a forward-looking club and we know that this partnership will bring benefits for both parties."
The agreement means that Walsall FC will:
- Allow the 50 FA-qualified coaches within Wyrley Juniors FC to view Walsall youth training sessions and thus increase their coaching knowledge;
- Give access to pitch care advice in readiness for Wyrley Juniors developing their own ground later this year;
- Provide coaches for regular Soccer School courses that Wyrley Juniors arrange;
- Provide a number of free match tickets to Wyrley Juniors players;
- Allow Wyrley Juniors players to be ball boys or girls at some of their home matches;
- Encourage a number of Saddlers players to attend Wyrley Juniors' presentation nights.
In return, Wyrley Juniors will highlight players of extraordinary ability to Walsall FC.
It is an exciting link for both clubs and we look forward to it bearing fruit in the years to come.
