Roy West Centre - New Home Of Hull City U23's Development Squad
Hull City and the East Riding FA are pleased to announce that the Roy West Centre is to become the official home venue of the Club’s Under-23s Development Squad.
The deal, which has been agreed in principle, will see the Club’s Under-23s split their schedule for the forthcoming 2018/19 Professional Development League campaign between the East Riding FA headquarters and the KCOM Stadium, with league rules stipulating that five fixtures must be played at the Club’s main stadium.
Jon Beale's side will begin their season by hosting Colchester United at the KCOM on Sunday 12th August (KO 1pm) before running out at the East Riding FA for the first time against Millwall on Monday 27th August (KO 7pm).
Admission to Under-23s fixtures played at the Roy West Centre will continue to be FREE for all Members, whilst ticket prices for non-Members will remain at last season's price of £4 Adults and £2 Concessions.
Hull City Academy Manager Jon Beale said: "The East Riding FA has been a vital asset to the local football community for many years now, so we’re delighted that this new partnership will bring dual benefits for both the Academy and grassroots football in Hull.
"An important part of our philosophy in the development of young players is to embed them in the local environment and to give them an appreciation of the community that has supported this Club for many, many years.
"Regular fixtures at the Roy West Centre gives us a great opportunity to do that at a venue which boasts an excellent pitch and impressive facilities – not only for our players but also the fans - whilst also supporting the development of local grassroots football - something that we are really pleased about.
"North Ferriby has been a good home for us over the years, but playing our home games in the heart of the city makes it far easier for supporters to come down and support the lads on an evening, so it is ideal from that point of view."
Adam Lowthorpe, Chief Executive Officer at the East Riding FA, added: "We were honoured to be approached by the Club to host its Under-23s fixtures for the forthcoming season and are excited to see this standard of football on a regular basis at the East Riding FA headquarters.
"A lot of the players currently plying their trade at the Academy and for Hull City's Under-23 side will have started their footballing journey playing within the Hull & District Youth League and we hope lots of people within local football will attend fixtures to support the team.
"It is testament to the work of our groundsman Mark Farrar that the playing surface he prepares meets the needs of players and teams at this level. There are some exciting fixtures to look forward to throughout the forthcoming season. We are very much looking forward to having the Roy West Centre become the home of the Club’s Development Squad – and can’t wait to host our first match next month.
"It is fantastic that so many local players are going to be able to benefit as a result of this partnership, which will provide a real boost for local grassroots football, and going forward we hope the arrangement will strengthen our partnership with the Club."