STAFF

Chris (CJ) Gibson - (Manager)
Into his sixth year at the club now, Chris has a lot of experience at still a young age. Back to back League titles as well as two runners up medals goes along side a few years of work as coach and assistant to now Elite manager Gavin Stevenson. Great character in the dressing room and positive relationship with the players and parents, Chris is passionate and committed to the Under 18 setup.

Peter Allen - (Assistant Manager)
Labelled by Gibson as his “best ever signing”, Peter has a lot of experience in the game as a referee. This has allowed the discipline of the side to be controlled and sees things within the game that may not always be noticed by others. Offers a soft and understanding element of the game, as well as being highly motivated to the cause.

Nathan Nicholls - (Coach/Physio)
Sort after for two years by Gibson, Nathan has come in this year with several great attributes to the setup. Qualified coach and physio, Nathan takes the training, observes elements of the game to work on and sets up improving the side as a whole.

Gavin Stevenson - (Youth Development Officer)
Gav moves into the role after nearly 20 years in management. Has a great eye for talent and looks to teach the basics in youth football. Gavin scouts the best that local football has to offer in order to filter in new players yearly to the U18 setup.

Des Camp - (Secretary/CPO)
Des sorts fixtures, match nights and administration issues at the U18 level as well as having a connection with the management and staff around the club

GOALKEEPERS

Jamie Clark
Jamie is another keeper Soham have with incredible ability. He has great presence in and around the side, always 100% committed and supportive of his teammates. Jamie is a league winner but is currently side lined with a double leg break suffered in pre season.

Matt Phillips
Matt has come on over the development period to hold down a regular first team place. He is a fantastic shot stopper with potential to develop further. Into his last year, Matt is one of last years title winners that only conceded 12 goals in the league.

Declan Turner
Product of the Soham Elite system, Dec is another keeper with exceptional potential. His shot stopping and technical ability are impressive and always willing to learn. Dec featured in the Elite Hungary tour that got to the semi finals. Dec too is suffering with a lengthy injury, but should feature before next term.

Charlie Wills
Charlie has developed from Soham Colts and has been in the ranks for many years. Great shot stopper and agile. Although not as many appearances as the other keepers, Charlie’s commitment is impeccable and always performs when called upon. He picked up both Colts and Ridgeons titles last year with Soham Youth sides.

DEFENDERS

Alex Burr
This is Burr’s third year, winning back to back titles in the last two years. Brought in from Peterborough United’s Youth side, Burr has many attributes to his defensive role. Although not the most skilful of players, his concentration and work ethic cannot be questioned. Good in the tackle and well timed throughout.

Ryan Collins
Very much a squad favourite, Ryan is the U18 skipper. Committed to the cause, Ryan is a very strong and influential player in the side. Good in the tackle, as well as reading the game. Has the potential to go further in this team. Colts and Ridgeons title winner last year with both Youth sides.

Ryan Lowe
A local lad, comes through the Elite and Colts side to step up. Pace, committed and has great concentration. Likes to push forward when the opportunity arises to join in the play. Featured in the Elite Hungary tour.

James Poulton
Product of Bury’s academy scouted by Gavin Stevenson for the Elite and made the step with Soham. Featured twice last year for the U18 side, James has good concentration and attributes to play anywhere along the defensive line.

Joe Shippey
Soham Elite player who has developed well over the pre season campaign, Shippey is a versatile player with good attributes all round. Neat and tidy and committed in the tackle and will learn more and more as his years progress at Soham. Was a part of the Elite Hungary tour squad.

Matty Simpson
Progressed from the Elite set up, Matty by no doubt has the ability to play at a high level and a great prospect for the future. Pace, aggression and confidence as well as skill, Matty likes to attack at every opportunity and adds extra bite to the side in their play.

Sam Sterna
Sam has been in and around the squad now for about the last four years, as his brother, Dan, progressed in the U18 side too. Featured more regularly in the last two years as his game lifted, he is a strong and versatile defender, good in the tackle and in the air too. He is a great character around the squad and is another title winner from last year.

MIDFIELD

Scott Davis
U18 Vice captain and regular, as he made his way into the side last year on a regular occurrence.
Scott is a tough tackling and intelligent player, who is pretty versatile too. Scott is a league winner and cup runner up from last year and was also apart of the Elite squad that got to the semi finals in the Hungary Youth Tournament in July.

Mark Howlett-Foster
Coming through the Elite ranks, Mark is a strong and skilful player. With good footwork and ability to take people on, he gives the side strength when attacking. Mark was also a member of the Elite squad that competed in Hungary in July.

Blake Kneeshaw
Into his third year now at this level, Blake has progressed well at the club. Good in the tackle and positional sense, Blake is a versatile player. Last two years however have been blighted with injury and illness. Is also another title winner from last year with Colts and U18’s.

Chris Munday
Last season’s Elite player of the Year, Chris has shown he is very capable with the step up. Aggressive and determined throughout as well as skilful on the ball, he provides the side with energy and creativity. Was a part of the Elite squad that competed in Hungary.

Simon Murfitt
Simmo is another product of the Colts to Town Rangers Youth system and has become a regular for the U18’s. Last year Colts and Ridgeons title winner, he is a good reader of the game and capable of picking a pass. He is strong in the tackle and quick at moving the ball around. Has potential to play higher at the club.

Jim Orvis
Into his second year, Jim jumped at the opportunity last year to get a place in the U18 side. His creative mind and skill makes him a tricky player for the opposition and adds craft to an adventurous side. Already a title winner from last year, Jim still has two years at this level.

James Seymour
Transferred from Ely City, James came in this year with a competitive belief that drives him through the game. A proper box-to-box player; skilful, aggressive and great vision, as well as a cool finisher. James won the Colts league title last term and has the potential to go far.

Luke Smith
Quick, tricky and skilful, Luke is your typical attacking winger. Loves to get forward and into the opposition box. Great set-piece taker and looks to take people on when attacking. His step up from the Elite to the U18 setup has brought the best out of him.

Dan Whitwell
Another product of the U17 Colts, ‘Squiddy’ makes the step up into the U18 setup. Quick, determined and an attacking mind set, he likes to get forward but is equally as good covering at the back. Tall, competitive and creative, he will continue to get better as he adjusts to the setup. He is another Colts league winner from last term.

FORWARDS

Dwayne Cohen
Dwayne is another product of the Elite squad, quick, skilful and likes to take people on. Confident on the ball and another one who can finish well.

Josh Nunn
Josh will enter his third year at this level and has made progress. Tall and strong, Josh has the attributes to be a good forward player. Preferred position in the midfield area has been difficult to fill, but gives his all when up top. When on form, can finish well. Josh has a championship medal from last term.

Cameron Robb
Cam is yet another Elite development player who made his debut last year, also bagging goals in the run up to the title win. Quick, direct and skilful, as well as a great finisher, Cam is confident and aggressive. Chases down the defensive line and always looks to get in a goal scoring position. Cam was top scorer for the Elite last season and a part of the Hungary tour side.

Tom Taylor
Physically strong and skilful as well as a great finisher, Tom brings a different dimension to the side. Great footwork and vision helps bring others in to play as he muscles in. A versatile player who has a good eye for goal. Tom was another member of the title winning side last term.