The coach of the newly named JS Juniors is hoping to encourage young players to commit to football for the long-term.
James Scott is hoping the renamed team, which has been formed from the minis section of Jersey Scottish FC, will relish the challenge of being part of a new and forward-thinking side.
‘The response from players and their parents has exceeded my expectations. We were oversubscribed before the season started and are already looking at ways we can try and offer more youngsters the chance of being involved,’ said Mr Scott.
Ravenscroft has agreed to be the main sponsor of the team and provided playing and training kit for the squad, which currently stands at 16 players, and the coaching staff.
‘It was really important to me that players looked smart and played smart. Our motto is “Think & Play….like footballers” and so having the support of a sponsor means that we can look like a team and play like a team, whether that’s at training or at a game. It’s fantastic that Ravenscroft has understood what we are trying to achieve and has supported us. We’re delighted that we can be ambassadors for them in Jersey.’
JS Juniors will be playing in all available local tournaments and plan to go to Guernsey as well to broaden their experience. Mr Scott said he hopes there are island players of the future in his midst.
‘Football, like a lot of sports, typically sees a drop out during teenage years. Our hope is that by being a community team that players will want to stay part of JS Juniors and continue onto senior football,’ he said.
Haydn Taylor, managing director of Ravenscroft in Jersey, said the company was impressed by the vision of JS Juniors