Maccabi London Lions have announced plans to field a new under-21 team to compete at County level from next season.
The new team will bridge the gap between the club’s under-16 team and first team, who compete in the Hertfordshire Senior County League Premier Division.
The club can see exciting young talent coming through the ranks from under-seven upwards and the U21 team will offer an improved development path into the first team, giving young players the best grounding possible as they graduate from the youth system at Rowley Lane.
The team will play against some of the U21 teams in the area in a new Herts FA league and will be managed by Stephen Barnett.
The club has already seen a significant number of players come through the youth system and last season saw a several teenagers break into the first team.
It is hoped the new U21 team enables more boys to make that jump in the future.
Chairman Andy Landesberg said: "This adds another great dimension to the youth development area of the club.
"We have a youth section to be proud of and can see what is possible over the next five to 10 years with all the talent in our ranks.
"This should give the ideal stepping stone for boys into men’s football at what will be a very challenging standard.
"We move into the new season in very good shape and with potential to deliver great things across the club."
To get more from Life, click here to sign up for our free Life newsletter.