Youth scheme will survive
CHAIRMAN Alex Rowe says that Torquay United remain committed to their relaunched Youth Scheme, despite announcing the apparent ending of a sponsorship deal with the scheme's financial backers.
"It would be an absolute tragedy to lose the Youth Scheme, and we do not intend to let that happen," said Rowe.
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United yesterday released a statement that City Link Builders Ltd were "no longer willing to maintain sponsorship of the youth development scheme and other ancillary arrangements".
City Link have taken down their sponsorship banner which covered Plainmoor's Grandstand.
But United also stated that the firm's one-year shirt sponsorship deal was "unaffected" by the latest news.
It was only in the summer that United and City Link unveiled sponsorships first for the Youth Scheme, over three years, and then a one-year shirt deal.
United's statement yesterday ended: "The Club are taking steps to ensure that all outstanding sums due to the Club from City Link Builders are paid as soon as possible".
Salisbury-based City Link boss Sean Melhuish, a longstanding supporter of United, was quick to counter speculation about the future of his company.
He claimed that the issue was a personal, rather than a financial, one.
He released a statement through his solicitors which read: "City Link Builders Ltd are not in financial difficulty.
"City Link Builders do not have any issues with any of the directors of Torquay United Football Club, although they do have an issue with an employee of TUFC".
Rowe declined to add to the club statement as it related to City Link Builders.
But he did comment: "I am proud of our youth scheme, and it needs to be maintained. We will find a way.
"I believe that, in principle, every club of our size should have a youth scheme.
"Ours has made a very encouraging start to its new life.
"Matt Williams and Paul Compton (joint managers) have worked very hard this season, and the boys themselves have made great strides.
"It's a sign of the talent that we believe we already have in the squad that we even had one trainee, Ashley Yeoman, make an appearance for the first team last week.
"We will be actively seeking new sponsorship for the scheme."
3 Comments
by tim, london
Tuesday, October 14 2008, 6:33PM
“to be fair, mr williams should never be in charge of a youth development scheme, he is far too narrow minded and is much more suited to the after school games found in the football in the community scheme. paul compton, should be the only one in charge of the youth scheme, strong minded, good ideas, and a great reputation from his previus clubs.”
by john davis, bristol
Tuesday, October 14 2008, 2:37PM
“what a shame the youth development has hit a snag so early,and that there are issues with an employee at our club.I wonder if mr ccolin lee can enlighten us a bit more on this issue,or maybe not then”
by Rob Cannings, Glasgow
Tuesday, October 14 2008, 12:44PM
“The article states that the deal to back the youth scheme was a 3 year one, so how on earth can City Link simply pull it after only a couple of months, citing problem with an employee of the club as the reason?! Surely there was some sort of contract signed that would prevent the company pulling out, especially giving such a pathetic reason...”