KNUTSFORD Football Club have appointed a youth development officer.

Jody Banim takes up the role with the aim of expanding and developing the club’s community youth football programme and ‘one club strategy’.

The 46-year-old former striker, who had spells with National League Clubs and lower non-league sides after serving as a trainee at Manchester United, will be creating a programme for boys and girls from ‘little kickers’ through pathways into the first team, and will also join the re-structured committee to move the club forward.

The phased approach to the programme will include engagement with schools, greater use of social media and professional coaching, and is in line with the FA approach and standards for grassroots football.

“A YDO can be a game-changer for any grassroots football club, bridging the gap between varied coaching standards and ensuring a consistent approach to player development,” said Reds chairman Jimmy Evans.

“Whether it’s guiding a novice coach or implementing a unified training philosophy, the impact of a dedicated youth development officer is profound.”

Banim was watching from the sidelines as Knutsford secured a comfortable 3-0 home win against bottom side Pilkington Under 23s in Saturday’s Cheshire League One clash at Manchester Road.

Reds were without three regulars and had to shuffle the pack against their young visitors but goals from Jonny Cavanagh, Gregory Mathers and Patrick Draper in the space of eight minutes sealed the outcome.

Cavanagh shot from distance just inside the near post for on 30 minutes for 1-0.

Then it was a good turn and finish by Mathers on 35 minutes to double the advantage.

Draper smashed home from 15 yards to effectively end any doubts about who would win the contest.

A poor second-half showing in the heavy conditions meant there were no further goals.

Reds remain third in the table.

Knutsford: Smith, Wilbraham, Fregapane, Sheldon, Brotherton, Newman, Kennedy, Cavanagh, Mawdsley, Draper, Mathers. Subs used: Blades, Wooley, Rodick, Box

Reds visit Cheadle Nomads Reserves on Saturday, kick-off 2pm.