ALEX Browne is to lead the Dorchester Town Academy after it was announced that the set-up is to return to Dorchester Sports Centre.

The former Magpies’ captain, pictured, who is also a UEFA A Licensed coach, is delighted to be based back in the county town.

He said: “It’s a big step forward to be returning back to the town – not only in terms of logistics, but also to be based at the same facility as the first team.

“Special thanks must go to 1610 Leisure, who have been great supporters of ours, and Matt Lucas, who has driven this project.

“We have an excellent team of coaches with Terry Oldrid (UEFA B Licence) and Scott Symes and Brian Churchill (FA Level Two coaches) being supported by the club’s director of football Matt Lucas.

“The set-up here is second to none at this level.

“The reserve team alone has players from Poole, Shaftesbury, Weymouth and Bridport – all with the same goal of pushing into the first team.

“Hopefully, now with the set-up based back in Dorchester we can continue this trend and develop even more Calvin Brooks’ or Danny Way’s.”

A club spokesman added: “It has always been the intention of the club that the academy should take place in Dorchester and it will return to the excellent 3G facility where the club’s first team also train.

“This means we are now in a position to concentrate on building upon the club’s philosophy to develop talented local players with our stand-out team of highly qualified coaches.”

The academy, which has previously been based at Kingston Maurward, will return to the Sports Centre on Friday and the club is looking forward to welcoming back all players who have attended in the past.

Any new players who feel they would like the chance to get involved in Dorchester Town academy football are also welcome too.

For all enquires, contact Scott Symes on 07826924769 or email academy@ dorchestertownfc.com