Prestwich Heys have announced that they will be operating with an Under 18s side next season whilst establishing a partnership with Manchester League Premier Division side Beechfield United.

The club have applied to enter the Under 18s side into the North West Youth Alliance, a league of which they were founder members back in the late 1990s and enjoyed much success with players of the calibre of Chris Denham, Damien Rooney, Marvin Walters, Lee O’Brien and Bernard Morley, to name but a few, coming through the ranks.

The new team will be managed by Nick Simister, who will be bringing his side over from Little Lever Sports Club.

Speaking following the announcement, Simister said “I am looking forward to the next stages in the development of my team as we join Prestwich Heys. We are ready for new challenges and look forward to joining such a high profile and prestigious club.”

The link up with Beechfield is aimed at providing extra experience for players from the Under 18s at senior level whilst creating an exchange of players through both clubs.

First team players at Heys looking for added game time and recovery from injury will be available to Beechfield whilst the arrangement opens the door for players from there to step up and gain experience at North West Counties Level.

In recent seasons players like Alfie Belcher, Jamie Sinnott and Brad Sixsmith have made that journey.

Beechfield Manager Stephen Erskine said “We are really excited to be linking up with our neighbours and a fantastic club like Heys, a club we have always respected and admired.

“We are hoping this partnership will be highly successful and add to the links we have already forged over the years.

“Speaking to Matt it is clear Heys are a club going places and we cannot wait to get involved.”

Heys Manager Matt Barnes said: “I am delighted to have Nick join us from Little Lever, a club very close to my heart.

“They are a very successful team who will be looking to progress in a very tough league.

“This is great for us from a first team perspective and also adds to the club’s profile, creating a pathway to the first team, enhancing our link to Beechfield United

“With things like this, it makes me proud to be manager of this fantastic club, speaking with Nick he has some excellent ideas and is really keen for his young players to progress and be successful.

“I am also really pleased to link up with Beechfield, a reputable club who play at a high standard. I am looking forward to working with Stephen Erskine. The vision we have for the link is exciting and will be of huge benefit for both clubs and lots of players.”

Whilst there is still uncertainty about the format of the various leagues at all levels of football next season and when the season will be able to start, Heys are planning on a business-as-usual basis and are in the process of setting up pre-season fixtures and unveiling a new look kit and merchandise.