A new under-23s team has been launched by a football club to develop younger players.
Newark and Sherwood United has announced that next season the side will play in the Nottinghamshire Senior League, Development Division, under the management team of Grant Foster, Alex Bowkett and Huw Edwards.
The side will be led by the ex Sleaford Town players.
Grant Foster said: “Firstly both myself and Alex would like to thank Jed, Steff and the board for making this happen and for how welcoming the club as a whole have been in introducing us to The Highwaymen.
“We are really excited for the future and are especially looking forward to working alongside Romaine and Tristan in the first team.
“We have managed Birchwood Colts for the last seven seasons, we won the under-17s league last season and have come runners-up in the Lincolnshire under-18s Intermediates league this season.
“The under-23s will be perfect progression for our new squad to help them develop in to men’s football and progress their futures, helping us move higher up the leagues over the coming seasons.
“The aim is to develop these young players and give them the opportunity to move up to the first team when the time is right for them.”
The Highwaymen will be holding trials for the new under-23s side on June 22, from 10am at Hykeham Memorial Hall, Newark Road, Lincoln LN6 9RY.
Any players who would like to attend should email Grant on nsufc23s@gmail.com or text/whatsapp him on 07572188867, and include details of their position, previous clubs and any additional information or stats.
As well as a new side for the new season, lots of familiar faces will be returning as Newark and Sherwood United re-sign players.
The club’s number one, Ross Woolley, has remained committed for a third season, and manager Romaine Graham said: “Mr Consistent. I’m delighted to have Ross in the sticks for another season, Ross has improved year on year and is now becoming a leader for us.”
Woolley said he was excited to see what the club can achieve over the next year.
The supporters’ player of the season Louie Jarvis will also be staying with The Highwaymen for another season.
He said: “Happy to be staying at Newark for next season with the momentum we built towards the end of last season can hopefully be took into next and see what we can achieve”, while the gaffer branded him “Mr Dependable” and said he would play a big part for the team in the next season — particularly thanks to his ability to play in multiple positions.
The club’s most capped player at step five, Ryley Thompson, has also stayed committed.
Graham said: “Ryley is one of our most consistent performers and big part of the squad.”
He said he couldn’t wait for him to take his game to the next level over the coming season.
Last season’s joint appearance maker Toby White is “buzzing” to have committed to The Highwaymen for the new season, and is “ looking forward to taking the form from the end of last season into this one”.
Graham added: “Delighted to regain the services of Toby for what will be a big season from him. Toby has improved season after season and I’m excited to see what levels he can reach over the next 12 months”
Also returning is Luke White, who re-signed with the club late last season, and is “excited to get back going and continue what we’ve started”.
The gaffer said Luke was a “key player”, and would play a big part in the teams success.
Sam King is “looking forward to another season ahead with the lads” after committing for his third season in a row.
Graham said: “Kingy is an integral part of the squad, and I'm delighted he has committed to the club. Kingy is a leader for us, which will prove invaluable this season.”
Skipper Jamie Goddard has also committed, and said: “Being back amongst the squad has been brilliant and I am confident that we can take our strong end to the season into next.”
Graham said: “I am really looking forward to seeing the levels our skipper will reach next season.
“We got a glimpse of what he could do after returning from injury, and with decent pre season under his belt, I'm convinced he will spearhead us to a successful season.”
Last season’s newcomer, who joined near the end of the season, Kameron Campbell, is looking forward to his first full season with the club.
Graham said: “Kam is a great addition to the squad. Kam allows us to play a certain way, which will get the best out of our attacking players this season.
“With his natural athletic ability, I am certain Kam will be a massive part of our success next season”
