DORCHESTER Town has urged all under-18s who feel they have a future in the game to join the Magpies for their pre-season training sessions at Thomas Hardye School playing fields.

The club, under the new era of director of football Shaun Brooks, are looking to revitalise their youth policy after disbanding their reserve team and have promised if players are good enough they will get a chance to progress to the first team.

Youth general manager Phil Basford said: "We want to encourage 16-17-year-olds to keep their interest in the game and we will give them the opportunity to develop their skills.

"We will open the door to a higher standard of football for youngsters whereas before this path was constantly shut off to them in the area.

"We will be playing in the South-West Counties League again this season and also be playing prestige friendlies where the chance to play a higher standard of football will be available to them.

"We are not just selecting footballers from the county town but also Weymouth, Portland, Bridport and the general area."

Brooks considers this is the best way forward for the club and has watched several sessions.

Coaches Trevor Senior and Tony Chutter took the first session when more than 20 lads turned up, half of which were from last year's squad, joined by two 17 year-olds from the Poole area and former youth players from last season's Dorchester Town Youth under-16s.

Players from Robbie Taylor's under-16 squad and chairman Dave Read's under-15 team were also present.

The under-18 squad is looking for more players to join the team and anyone wishing to attend training should telephone Trevor 07771903795 or Phil on 07966507149.

Sessions are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6.45pm.