THE Premier League season may have kicked off on Saturday, but Hatherleigh Town FC kicked off their new youth team in style on Tuesday as the club hosted an Exeter City Roadshow for the first time.

The club has been without a youth team for several years, and is relaunching its youth football club.

With support from the Devon FA, enthusiastic parents and some local funding, the club has been able to reform with newly qualified coaches ready to teach eager youngsters about 'the beautiful game.'

Andy Bennett, one of the new coaches, said: 'Hatherleigh Town had one of its best seasons in a long time last season. Five or six members of that team were former youth team players, so it shows that having a youth team is important.

'We have had so much interest in the roadshow today, with 42 kids turning up, which is brilliant for our first time. Hopefully lots of these kids will want to come along and join the new youth team club.

'The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment, and we want boys and girls of all ages and abilities to come and get involved. We are looking for primary school kids primarily, but if slightly older children want to come along, they will be more than welcome.

'We intend to get the club going first, then maybe enter a few football festivals, and if we can sustain interest and get a group of kids playing regularly, enter some leagues.'

At the Exeter City roadshow, children took part in matches and tournaments, but also tried out training exercises working on ball control, passing, attack and defence, and penalty shootouts. At the end of the day, players were given awards for effort and skill, and everyone who took part received a goody bag

Following the launch on Tuesday, Sunday morning training sessions will commence for boys and girls of primary school age on Sunday, September 1. Children of all abilities are welcome to come along to the club training sessions, which start at 10am at Hatherleigh Town Football Club.

For further details about the Hatherleigh Youth Football Club, call Andy Bennett on 07825 199443.