West Jesmond FC has confirmed a merger with West Moor Juniors FC that the two teams hope will widen opportunities and help solidify their future.

The merger, which was agreed in December, offers an opportunity to young players from West Moor Juniors to join the adults team, which will help sustain West Jesmond FC long into the future.

James Hunter, manager of the team, told JesmondLocal that they had previously relied on word of mouth and Gumtree to encourage new players to the squad, but this has created a great catchment area for the team that will be invaluable in taking the club to the next level.

West Moor Juniors, who have 15 junior teams and over 200 children playing at their club, are eager to provide pathways to senior teams for their ambitious players.

Drew Gransbury, manager and coach at West Moor Juniors, told JesmondLocal: “We had looked at setting up our own senior team but this was an extremely long process with lots of paperwork, so when the opportunity to merge with West Jesmond came up it seemed like a really good fit.

“I had only heard very positive reviews about the club and they were willing to buy into our community focus and youth teams as well.”

Both teams have confirmed it is a long-term aspiration to set up a development squad to bridge the age gap and abilities between the two clubs.  The team would be for players aged under 23 and will prepare players for the huge jump that can sometimes be involved in moving from junior to adult teams.

The relationship will also provide much needed facilities to West Jesmond FC who have been searching for a home for the last few years and have struggled to find anywhere that suited the community values of their team.

Hunter said: “The merger has provided something we just haven’t been able to find in the past in Jesmond and we have really struggled in the last few years to find somewhere to play.

“As we started with a predominantly student team, most of our players are from the area so it’s a really convenient location for the squad.”

Mark Pilley, a successful coach from West Moor Juniors, is set to join training of the West Jesmond team. This will provide an opportunity for Pilley to move into adults’ coaching, along with a fresh initiative for the West Jesmond club.

However, both teams are keen to keep their own identities. West Jesmond FC have made clear that their presence in Jesmond is a huge motivator for the club, which they will be conscious in preserving as they bring what will be the first junior team into the Jesmond area.