Matlock Town Juniors FC - as they will henceforth be known - brings more than 200 young players in 16 teams under the Gladiators banner and completes a "path of progression" from under eights right through to the first team.

The link-up is another achievement in a very busy close-season for the Gladiators, following the reinstatement of the reserve side for next season, as well as some major rebuilding of the first team squad.

It also means that Town, which already has a Youth and an U19 side, are well on the way to rightfully calling themselves a community club, a notion promoted heavily by the Football Association and confirmed by its charter standard.

Once Town have met that standard it could, in turn, unlock funding to improve and develop the football club's structure and facilities.

The expansion of Matlock Town is unlikely to stop there either.

Discussions over the formation of Matlock Town Ladies FC have already begun, while the juniors are determined to establish new girls teams.

"What we are wanting to do is give the opportunity for youngsters in the town to eventually play for the town's team, if that's where they want to go," said Matlock Town chief executive Keith Brown.

"Linking up with Matlock Juniors is something that has been on and off over many, many years, with people saying 'shall we, shan't we'.

"When Peter (Bartle, Matlock Town Juniors chairman) made the call this time it moved at a very rapid pace and I think that shows there is that desire to do it."

As well as starting out on the road to senior football, the juniors have a number of more immediate perks to look forward to.

Each of the 16 teams is guaranteed one game at the Geoquip Stadium next season - their main venue being Cavendish Playing Fields - they will receive coaching from Matlock Town staff, and will eventually all play in the Gladiators kit.

Mr Bartle said players and parents were excited by the move.
"This is all about partnership and how we can improve football in Matlock for the whole community," he said.

"It's a case of all the footballing organisations in Matlock pulling in the same direction."

That said, the juniors will remain financially independent of Matlock Town FC, and stay in charge of their own affairs, with no change to their management committee.

With the Gladiators themselves up against an increasing number of generously bankrolled clubs in the UniBond Premier Division, having a wide pool of emerging footballing talent to dip into suggests a far-sighted view of club development: attracting the best local players, increasing attendances and, just maybe, tempting the odd rich benefactor or two to invest.

"I hope that out of this it will really generate greater interest in football within the town and the Derbyshire Dales," said Mr Brown.

"It's then up to people to show that they really want football.

"But I think it's vital we maintain a good standard of club at the highest level possible."

ANYONE wanting to play for or get involved with the running of girls teams should telephone Peter Bartle on 07989 144878 or the Matlock Town Juniors welfare officer Neil Holmes on 07734 273929.

MATLOCK Town Juniors are running Saturday 'soccer schools' for younger players at Cavendish Fields from 10am-12noon each weekend.
For more information about the club's foundation programme, contact either Peter Bartle or Neil Holmes on the numbers above.