The nurturing of young talent is a key theme for Exmouth Town reserves in their impressive start to the season in the Devon Football League.
Town are currently mid-table in the North & East Division of the DFL and they have games in hand on sides above them.
It is a fine accomplishment for the only reserve side in a league only formed 18 months ago and a step up in class that can only benefit those players that make the next jump to Western League football with the first-team.
"We’ve done really well over the first half of the season, particularly with a side largely made up of young lads promoted from the Under-18 squad,” said Exmouth Town reserves’ manager Tim Wright.
“Young talent taking the next step is crucial to the success of Exmouth Town and it is a major part of my job to give them an opportunity.
“We have numerous youth sides throughout the age groups, which can only bode well for the club.
“We are the only reserve side in the league and a lot of the teams are paying their players, so it would be a massive achievement if we could break into the top five.
“There are some very good sides in the DFL, such as Exwick Villa, Topsham Town, Newtown, the University of Exeter and Teignmouth.
“A lot of them pay good money and every weekend represents a proper challenge for our lads.
“The Devon Football League has definitely been a success and provides that bridge between the Peninsula League and Devon and Exeter football.
“You can definitely see the difference between the Premier Division of the Devon and Exeter because every side you face will give us a tough game.
“There are a lot of players in the league that could perform at a higher level and it can only benefit our first-team to have the reserves competing in this division.
“It was only a few years ago that our reserves were in Division 4 of the Devon and Exeter League, so a considerable step up for the club.”
Exmouth Town reserves are currently scheduled to host Heavitree United on Saturday.