Under 18's accepted to Kent Youth League, Darren Finlay appointed as Manager......

Hythe Town FC and Hythe Stars and Stripes FC are very pleased to announce the launch of a new Under 18's team for the season 2011/12. This is the culmination of a year’s worth of preparation from both clubs, and is the first jointly managed project between the two. The team has successfully applied to the Kent Youth League for the coming season, and we have also appointed a highly qualified manager with years of experience in the game at the highest level, Darren Finlay, to run the team.

Hythe Town FC is now looking to recruit players for this age group. We are looking for talented young players between 16 and 17 years old who are keen to learn and progress onto the Reserves and First Team. The first trial game is scheduled for Tuesday 24th May 2011 at Lympne Village Recreation Ground, registration is at 6.30pm for 7pm start. For further information and to reserve a place at the trial please contact Darren Finlay on 07800984803 or at Hythe Town FC on 01303 238256.

Simon Johnson (Chairman of the Youth Section, Hythe Stars and Stripes FC) said: "A great deal of work has gone into establishing this team and marks both clubs determination to invest in the young players of Hythe. We now have a complete youth structure and hopefully in a few years time we will see some players’ progress through to the first team. This is a fantastic opportunity for any young player. Darren Finlay is a fantastic appointment as manager and will bring all his experience and enthusiasm to this role – the players under his guidance will learn a great deal"

Martin Giles (Secretary, Hythe Town FC) said: "The fact that we are still well within the first year of our partnership with Stars and Stripes and are already applying for a team in the top age group of the County's senior youth league shows how committed we all are . In Darren Finlay we have a man with real experience of top football up to European level and this will help any youngsters with the right attitude to progress in the game. It has been a great season for Hythe Town FC after nineteen years trying to get back to where we are now--but the good news keeps coming."

Darren Finlay (Newly Appointed Under 18s Manager) said: "I am very excited about the task that lies ahead. It is the premier youth league in Kent and as such will provide us with very competitive youth football next season where the aim is to attract and then develop young players and giving them the opportunity to progress through into the first team. It’s a big challenge but it’s one I am really looking forward to."

Under 18's Manager Profile - Darren Finlay......

Darren has recently completed his UEFA ‘B’ (Level 3) Coaching Qualification through the PFA at Chelsea. Darren is starting his career in coaching having enjoyed a number of years in the professional game. Darren started his playing career in Northern Ireland with Glentoran before moving to Queens Park Rangers as a trainee, staying at the club for four seasons. Darren later signed for Doncaster Rovers and also had stints with Kingstonian and Crawley Town whilst in England. Darren then returned to Ireland rejoining his original club. Whilst there he lifted the Irish Cup and the Irish Premier League, also competing in the Champions League and European Cup Winners Cup. During his playing career he also played international football representing Northern Ireland at both Youth and Senior level. Darren has established many contacts within the game and is keen to develop as a coach.

Hythe Stars and Stripes FC Recognised With Top Kent Award......

Hythe Stars and Stripes have capped another wonderful season, with the announcement that the club has been named as Kent FA Charter Standard Development Club of the Year. The club has already been presented with a training kit and equipment voucher from the KCFA and will be attending a presentation evening later in the year to officially collect the award. Hythe Stars and Stripes have also been put forward to the South East Regional Draw.

Hythe Stars and Stripes FC and Hythe Town FC held a celebration of youth football in the town on Wednesday 27th April at the Reachfields Stadium. In excess of 70 mini soccer players enjoyed a training session on the pitch with their parents and supporters watching from the stands and club house. The under 12's then played a very competitive match against Park Farm Rangers under floodlights. The players also got their first chance to use the new equipment awarded by the KCFA.

Hythe Stars and Stripes FC mini soccer section prior to their training session at the Reachfields Stadium in April. Pictured is Chairman, Simon Johnson and Head Coach, Paul Carney with the training equipment presented by the KCFA as part of the Kent FA Charter Standard Development Club of the Year award.

The FA Charter Standard is a kite mark for youth football clubs, which indicates that the club has sound operating procedures and provides a safe and quality environment for young people to enjoy football. Although Stars and Stripes FC were established in 1998, the club started its mini soccer program in 2007, working towards achieving Charter Standard status. Hythe Stars and Stripes FC achieved the top tier available – Development Club status in 2009. As part of the development plan Hythe Stars and Stripes FC now work closely with Hythe Town FC and are running an under 18's team together for next season.

The club are currently looking for players for the new under 18's side and the under 13's girls team. Hythe Stars and Stripes FC are also looking for anyone interested in coaching in the mini soccer section.

Club Chairman, Simon Johnson said “Everyone at the club is immensely proud of this award. To be recognised at a county level shows the amount of progress this club has made. The level of achievement both on and off the pitch has far surpassed anything we could have imagined and is testament to our many volunteers who have worked tirelessly, Youth and Senior football in Hythe has a very bright future.”

Head Coach, Paul Carney said “Not many young players get the opportunity to play at a football stadium and I know all the players involved had a fantastic time. I would like to thank Martin Giles and everyone at Hythe Town FC for making this possible. The growing relationship between the two clubs is developing at quite a rate and we all think it is the start of something special for football in Hythe.”

Stars & Stripes.......

We are pleased to announce a major step forwards for youth football in the town with the phased coming together of Hythe Town Football Club with the Stars & Stripes Club. The two clubs, with the Seniors based at Reachfields and the Youth at South Road and Hythe Cricket & Squash Club, will soon be able to cater for footballers from the under-six level right up to the semi-professional Kent League.