Welling United Youth, with Kingsmoor, was formed and officially launched on 6th May 2006 at Park View Road. Kingsmoor bought along their 6 teams who were quickly joined by teams associated with Jim Dean, Gary Lisney and a few others.
We started the 2006 season with 18 registered teams. Testament to the Manager's commitment, 17 of those teams finished their seasons. We lost only one U16 team, mainly due to the fact registered players were not entered into the Kent side.
We enjoy a healthy presence in The Bexley League, The Selkent League, and The Kent Youth League. For the 2007 – 2008 season, we have 19 teams registered – please see contact page for details of team and committee members. This number of Youth Teams is increased with the addition of the College based side, formed as a partnership between Lewisham College and Welling United. This gives developing players at school leaving age the opportunity to continue with their education and represent Welling United at Conference Youth League level. College players can also freely join our youth section if they wish to. Any queries regarding the college side should be directed to the main club.
Our 3 senior sides competing in the Kent League have enjoyed a successful 2006 – 2007 season, judged mostly by our commitment to bring through young players and provide quality coaching to all. Both the U18 and U16 Kent sides reached the Semi-Finals of 2 cups a-piece, with 2 players from the U18 also signing papers for the 1st team. Members of the U16 and U18 last season, played for the 1st team in cup games. This season we will have 3 teams competing in the Kent Youth League – U13, U15 and U18.
Congratulations must go to the U8 Selkent League side and U11 Bexley League side for winning the Graham Hobbins Memorial Cup in June 2007 at the WUFC Tournament. This event was a great success and will be continued this season.
We will continue to enjoy the support of the main club and all members will again be issued with a free player pass.
Suffice to say I believe our 1st season has been a huge success in my opinion and has laid the groundwork for many more to come.
I think all members deserve recognition for maintaining a high standard of discipline and their support of both the Youth Section and the main club. I would like to thank all concerned and long may it continue.
Sponsorship deals are always gratefully welcomed. Should you be interested in sponsoring one of the youth teams, please contact any member of the committee.
Liz Upton
Club Secretary
