Manager: Mark Smith
Assistant Manager: Jordan Smith
Coaches: Jack Harrison, Tom Thurogood, Rob Abbott
Team Secretary: Caroline Liney
Sponsor: Marshall Motors

“Youth Football gives the lads the chance to mix with other peers and gives the players the opportunities to keep active, focus on their football development and build a foundation for the future in all areas of life,” Mark Smith PPFC Under 12’s manager.

Mark Smith stepped into life at Plymouth Parkway with an uphill task set out in front of him. Stepping into the dugout of the Under 11’s during the 18/19 season, Mark would try and build a side that had seen two managers part company with the squad over the space of two years.

On top of that, the boys were not enjoying their football and failing to get the results or even put the ball in the back of the net.

Yes, youth football isn’t all about winning but to all concerned, it definitely helps. Mark explains: “When me and Jordan (Mark’s son) took over, we recruited a few coaches and players ready for the start of the 19/20 season and we managed an end to end 4-4 draw.”

That result breathed life into the team and a new ethos around the squad with enjoyment of their football firmly placed at the centre. Despite conceding 4 goals, the relief and enjoyment of hitting 4 goals was evident in both players, management and supporters. It laid a foundation for the season as the club went 8 games unbeaten before drawing four and losing two as the squad began to make a name for itself.

After an impressive season, the team were due to play their biggest game of the season in the Cup Semi Final before the dreaded Coronavirus curtailed their blistering season. The Under 12’s will try and replicate their form ahead of this seasons campaign in the Under 12 Warspite division which begins in earnest this month.