NEWS >>>>>>   ___________________________________________________________________________________________

18th April 2006

FAVERSHAM TOWN'S new youth team will make history on two fronts when
they play Canterbury City for the inaugural Friendship Shield at
Salters Lane on Friday night.

Ray Turner's youngsters have been training hard ahead of their debut
season in the Kent Youth League and will become the first youth team to
don Lilywhite colours for more than six years.

The game has even greater significance for Canterbury City because it
will be the first time a team has played under the club's banner for
five years.

It is hoped that the Friendship Shield will become an annual event as
the two re-formed clubs seek to forge ever closer links.

Town's youth development officer Ray Turner said he was delighted to
welcome Canterbury City to Salters Lane.

He said: "We are right behind Canterbury City's bid to re-form as a
senior side and this is a truly historic occasion for both clubs. At
Faversham, we know how hard it is to revive your football club and we
will help in any way we can.

"This is a great occasion for our lads. Town have not had a youth
team since the late 1990s and we are really excited about next season. I'm
sure it will be a super night and I'd urge the people of Faversham to
come out and support us."

Phil Knight is chairman of the steering group that is fighting to
revive Canterbury City and he sees Friday night's game as a massive
step forward for their project.

He said: "To have lads representing the city is absolutely fantastic.
This is the first team to play under the name of Canterbury City FC for
five years so we are all very excited.

"The players have been drawn from across the city and will wear the
traditional club colours of green and white. It is hoped that this will
become an annual challenge between the two clubs with the sides meeting
at Under 18 level this year.

"Hopefully, we can field a senior side in this game in a few years.
That is what we are aiming for. The big stumbling block at the moment
is a new home but we are working very hard to make that dream a
reality.

"We've seen what can be achieved through hard work by Faversham
Town's example and we'd like to thank them for their ongoing help. They've
been a great inspiration."

The inaugural Friendship Shield between Faversham Town and Canterbury
City kicks off at 7.30pm.

Fixtures / Match Reports    Check out the details of upcoming fixtures and previous match reports.

 League Tables
 Keep a check on the Faversham Town teams positions in their league tables

 Player Stats
All the season's stats at the click of a button.