From the start of the 2021/22 season, this new side will compete in the Bedfordshire County Football League Division One. The team will be based at Kings Field, our new home for development football, with games kicking off on Saturday afternoons.
Bedford Town FC Youth Development have appointed Sean Canavan to the role of Head Coach of the development side. Sean is an exciting young coach, currently FA Level 2 qualified looking to progress to UEFA ‘B’ Level 3.

Having this new side will provide an alternative for young players when they reach the age of 18. The club has lacked a side for players when they finish youth football, with them instead going to other clubs lower down the pyramid to continue their development into senior football. The youth have created this new team to bridge the gap between the U18s and first team, providing more players with the opportunity to grow their game whilst remaining with the Eagles.

Speaking to www.bedfordeagles.net, Youth Chairman Dennis O’Meara said “For years now Players have completed the Youth journey with us, for many that journey has been 6 / 7 years or more, then when they have completed their final year at Under 18s we have had to say goodbye and wish them all the best for the future. Our new facility at Kings Field has now given us the ideal opportunity to enable the journey to continue beyond the Under 18s for those that want to maintain a strong link with our great Club ( Once an Eagle – Always an Eagle ). The primary purpose is to further develop our Youth Players by providing them with the necessary support to take the step up into Adult Football. It must be stressed this is not a BTFC Reserve Team but it is hoped that over time as Players mature, gain more experience and develop their game further they will put themselves in the shop window for possible selection into the 1st Team Squad. One Club, One Family – Come on you Eagles”

Adding to Dennis, Club Secretary James Smiles commented “In addition to the benefits this extra side will bring to the development of players, bridging the gap to the first team, we’re also delighted about the commercial opportunities this will bring across the club. Eagles supporters will now have the choice of three sides to watch on a Saturday afternoon, whether it be at the Eyrie with the senior side, Biggleswade FC or at Kings Field with the development side. This is in addition to the growing number of entertaining youth teams we have too.”

We’ll be releasing more information on this exciting new side, including how you can trial for it, in the coming weeks.