Chester FC have announced academy head coach Calum McIntyre has been appointed to a full-time role with the club.
Academy sponsors Swettenham Chemists have provided funding for the role for an initial six months, after which the role and funding will be reviewed.
McIntyre, who has been working with the academy for five years, said: "I am delighted to be making this move. I've been working with the youth for the previous five seasons and have loved every minute. I've worked with so many great people and players and I'm delighted that I've got this opportunity to develop things further.
"Our academy is a huge part of the club and I'm looking forward to taking it to the next level. I love this football club and I'm incredibly grateful to Swettenham Chemists for giving me this opportunity.
"I can't wait to get started and look forward to producing even more success for the academy."
Uefa licensed coach McIntyre worked with the club's junior sides before becoming youth team manager in 2012 and academy head coach in 2015.
The academy was awarded FA Charter Standard status in October and McIntyre is responsible for overseeing the development of all players and teams. Moving to a full-time position will allow him to further develop the club's youth section.
Blues boss Steve Burr believes the switch will help more players make the step up from the academy to the first-team following in the footsteps of the likes of Sam Hughes and Tom Peers.
He said: "Calum is a young coach and is very enthusiastic. It’s a great move for the football club. It’s a fantastic step, and Calum is installed in there to help players develop and eventually progress to the first team. It’s another step in the right direction.
"Obviously we’ve had one or two come through, and there is a big bridge between first=team football and youth football. But with this move hopefully that gap can close.
"The players will get the opportunity in their games and during training – and it doesn’t go unnoticed. I’ve taken a big interest in the youth setup since I’ve arrived and Calum appreciates that – hopefully this can be a successful venture for the future of the club.
"We’re all very grateful for the sponsorship of course, without it this wouldn’t have happened."
Swettenham Chemists have sponsored the academy for four seasons and Ian Swettenham highlighted the youth team's performance in the FA Youth Cup against Oldham Athletic as a factor in his decision to extend his support.
He said "This funding is a result of the great progress Calum and his team of volunteer coaches have made with the academy.
"I was so impressed with the performance of the team in the FA Youth Cup that I felt the time was right to help Calum take the academy to the next level.
"I believe the academy can provide a steady stream of young players that will strengthen the first team squad.
"As a supporter I love to see local lads breaking through into the first team and I will be working with Steve and Calum to ensure we provide great opportunities for our youth players to make the transition to senior football."
