MALVERN Town FC has strengthened its youth development with the hiring of a new coach.

Joining the club's youth set-up is UEFA B-Coach Matt Day, who will work alongside Steve Dallow to help develop young players.

He said: "I think my passion for player development is the biggest asset that I bring to the club.

"My commitment and drive to developing young players is what I feel makes me well suited for this role.

"Despite having a relatively short coaching history, I have managed to gain a wealth of experience in developing young players to play at higher levels.

"I feel my ability to develop relationships with players allows me to get the best out of them."

One player who has emerged from the youth team to establish himself as a key figure in the first-team is Curtis Smith.

The talented and determined full-back said he has benefitted greatly from the club's youth pathway.

His dad Lee said: "The club has looked after Curtis extremely well over the past few years.

"He has benefitted from great advice and training methods which have helped to curb his short fuse and given him a maturity that he is now showing in his performances for the first-team.

"It has been pleasing to see this progress and as a parent I am so proud to see him playing consistently well on the first-team stage and gaining in experience and know-how all of the time.

"He is also coping very well with the physical side of the game and gaining in strength, size and speed, something which the club has played an influential role in.

"Curt set himself a goal of getting into the first-team at the age of 16 and it is something that he achieved through his performances for the under-18 team.

"There is a clear pathway here and it’s so important to see the managers of the youth team, reserves and first-team meet up regularly to discuss each players’ individual progression.

"At this club, if you work hard and show the right attitude, you will be on their radar and that is a big thing for any aspiring youngster.

"As a family we love our Saturdays watching the team play; the new facilities are top-notch and we know that from the moment we arrive, we are amongst friends.

"This is such a welcoming and inclusive club, but special mention to Ann Clack who always greets us so warmly and makes a mean cake."