Westbury United are enjoying their best season for many years, and the club says that much of this success is down to the home-grown young players who have come through the youth setup.
The club’s chairman, Matt Bright, has spoken of his pride as two youth players are now making their mark on the first team in the Toolstation Western League with two more hoping to join them soon after impressing while training regularly with the men’s squad.
Rising stars Mattie Mantay and George Bendle both feature regularly in manager James Goddard’s Westbury United line up, while youth squad teammates Ed Cooke and Jack Sterling are now training alongside the first team, with a view to joining them on the field.
The club says it is hoping to foster more talent in its youth sides and help a growing number of players move up to the first team.
Chairman Matt Bright says, “Both Mattie Mantay and George Bendle, who now hold down regular first team places, are products of Westbury Youth and are adding real quality to the first team squad.
“Mattie received several awards at last season’s presentation evening, most notably, Players’ player of the season. Being voted the best player by your peers is without doubt an incredible achievement for somebody so young, and Mattie has gone on to become an integral part of the White Horse Men’s midfield.
“George Bendle is an outstanding athlete and adds real fire power to manager James Goddard’s front line. At just 16 years old, he is already proving what a devastating finisher he is with five goals this season, primarily from left wing. But it’s not just his goals that have been impressive. George’s work rate and willingness to do the ugly parts of the game have made him a firm favourite with his team mates, coaching staff and fans.
“Both Mattie and George came through Westbury Youth, where they received top class coaching from Paul Humphrey and Gary Bendle, and both lads owe a lot to these coaches.
“But it doesn’t stop there! Goddard has just signed Ed Cooke from the Youth’s setup who turned 16 earlier this year. Ed is a very promising left-sided player who offers blistering pace with a calm head; an unusual and rare mix for a young lad. Ed’s team mate Jack Sterling is also now training with the first team and showing great potential to add even more ability to the squad. Jack is a very versatile and powerful player who can play anywhere in the midfield.
“This constant stream of quality players coming through the youth setup, is the perfect foundation for Westbury United to build a strong, local, dedicated team that can compete and succeed in the Toolstation Western League, with the ultimate aim of gaining promotion above and beyond.
“Nothing makes me prouder than seeing a youth player come through the ranks, be given a chance, and then thriving in this environment and great credit must be paid to James Goddard the manager and his assistant Karl Freeman. It’s one thing having the youth talent available, but all together another to have the bravery, foresight and skill set to bring them through and let them enjoy their football.
Westbury United is going places and youth is absolutely pivotal in helping us all achieve our goals. Congratulations to Mattie, George, Ed and Jack on being the first of their kind. We look forward to seeing the next group make their mark at senior level.”
