Grimsby Borough FC Launches New Football Development Pathway

As part of the club’s long-term vision, Club Chairman Jason Flint and Director of Football Dave Smith spent the latter stages of last season planning a player development programme that strengthens the connection between our Men’s First Team and Reserves, while introducing newly formed Under-18s and Under-17s teams, alongside future plans for an Under-21/23 side.

The initiative has been created to provide young players with a clear progression route from youth football into senior men’s football within the club. It represents a significant investment in the future of Grimsby Borough and highlights the club’s commitment to developing homegrown talent with the aim of increasing local representation within the First Team.

The new structure further reinforces the club’s ambitions both on and off the pitch, helping build long-term sustainability while creating opportunities for the next generation of footballers in the area. 

Shane Hillman and Rick Croudson will continue overseeing the club’s Reserves, competing in the Lincolnshire Football League. The Reserves will provide an important stepping stone into men’s football and serve as the final stage of development for players aspiring to represent the First Team in the Northern Premier League. 

Dave Unsworth and his Discoveries Eagles side will join forces with Dave Allen and his Holton Le Clay team to form the new Grimsby Borough Under-18s. The side will compete in the U18 Lincolnshire Intermediate Football League. This exciting addition brings together some of the area’s brightest young talent, with both managers focused on building a stronger squad capable of supporting the club’s Reserves and future Under-21/23 setup, while ultimately producing players ready for First Team football.

Gaz Pritchard and Daniel Rock will lead the club’s new Under-17s side, competing in the U17 Lincolnshire Intermediate Football League. The new setup allows Gaz to continue the work he has carried out since helping develop the club’s junior section from Under-11 level. The U17s will provide opportunities for some of the younger players within Unsworth and Allen's teams whilst also continuing the development of existing talented players already within the club pathway. 

Grimsby Borough has also submitted an application to compete in an Under-23/21 league. The proposed side would create an academy-style environment within the club, bringing together players from the First Team, Reserves, Under-18s and Under-17s. Management details for the team will be confirmed in the coming weeks. 

The club is also working towards having all senior teams train and play from Bradley FDC. The aim is for the First Team, Reserves, Under-18s and Under-17s to train alongside one another throughout the week, helping create strong communication and close working relationships between the First Team Management and Pathway Development Coaches. 

This structure will give young players the best possible environment to develop, while also exposing them to the standards and expectations of First Team football from an early age - creating greater opportunities for players aspiring to reach the highest level possible within the club.

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