In late January, a team of twenty local people, including three St Albans City Youth FC representatives took part in a charity trip to The Gambia. Club coaches Caroline Johnston, Sam Mardle, and Trustee Alan Moorhouse raised funds for the charity Football Gambia, a charity set up by City Youth U13s North Coach Ian Stapleton. Football Gambia’s mission statement is to ‘help promote education through football and develop communities in The Gambia.’

The trip’s main aim was to improve the lives of those living in Sittanunku, a particularly deprived area on the North Bank of the country. Whilst there, the team delivered a Level 1 Coaching Course to 60 local Gambian coaches and  put on many Sports Leadership sessions for over 200 children.

High flying St Albans City Youth Coach Max Ward beat off a number of other keen, young applicants to take a Position of Apprentice Activity Team Leader at Avon Tyrell, Activity Centre in the New Forest Dorset.

St Albans City Youth in the Community offered coaching for 5 to 13 year olds at Highfield Park for the young people in the District.

There was a record attendance of young people taking part for December. The weather was kind and it allowed the Club's Community Coaches to deliver their training plans without stopping for rain/snow.

Melissa Trulock won a prize on the last day to reward her hard work and commitment. Well done Melissa.

The club will be offering organised coaching every day during February half term at Sandringham School. Details will go on the St Albans City Youth website early in the new year. Please book early to avoid disappointment.