Dorchester Town will be casting their eye over potential stars of the future when the Magpies launch their new academy.

The county town club will hold trials for 11 to 16-year-olds at Kingston Maur-ward College on Saturday, June 19, with a view to forming squads for each age group.

Qualified coaches, including one with a UEFA A licence, will lead the academy and chairman Shaun Hearn is excited ahead of the official launch.

He said: “I strongly believe there are many local youngsters in the local community who have the ability and desire to represent Dorchester Town. The new academy will develop those players with a passion to succeed and play at the highest level, and we will support them in achieving this goal.”

Manager Ashley Vickers also hailed the introduction of a new academy. He added: “It’s a positive step and gives us the chance to look at children who could progress with us.

“Our vision is to have a club where the best young players are coming through the ranks, that would be the ideal scenario. It would be fantastic if we could take the best young players and bring them on, whether they go on with us or another club. That’s how clubs like us survive.”

Club director David Diaz, responsible for youth development at the Avenue Stadium outfit, believes the new academy will prove to be a great opportunity for the region’s youngsters.

He said: “The development centre will provide high quality training and coaching and the opportunity for players to compete against some of the football academies in the region.

“This will help them develop into stronger players and those with the ability to learn and an attitude to want to improve will benefit from the work of the Dorchester FC Academy.”

TRIAL TIMES Under-11 and 12: 9-10.30am Under-13 and 14: 11am-12.30pm Under-15 and 16: 1-2.30pm Telephone 262451 for more details or book a place at the trial.