PORTLAND United have announced exciting plans to run an under-18 team from next season.

Danny Nash’s under-16 outfit – Portland United Sports Youth – will form the crux of the squad after winning league, league cup and county cup titles on three occasions.

Blues’ chairman Matt Lucas told Echosport: “We’re going with an under-18 team next year under the Portland United banner.

“They’re going to be an integral part of Portland United going forward and the pathway we’re looking to create from the youth right the way through to the first team.

“Everyone working together, a one-club philosophy and everyone encouraging each other.

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“We’re really excited by this development with the under-18s to come alongside our reserves and first-team.

“We’re looking to promote the youth from within and they will certainly be given a chance and developed.

“We want to be a club that can provide that locally, that’s really important for us going forward.”

For more details on open trials, led by first-team manager Franklyn Clarke and assistant Sam Poole, email secretary.portlandutdfc@aol.co.uk