Local businessman based in Whitfield, Dover.

Previously Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors with Dover Athletic FC.

Worked as an advisor with Folkestone Invicta FC, Hythe Town FC and Deal Town FC. Played local Sunday League football for many years and successfully run own company football team for 15 years.

Sponsored both Youth and Senior Local football clubs.

DAFC Youth Section, c/o R K Group, Honeywood Road, Whitfield, Dover, Kent CT16 3EH
01304 821000
www.rkgraphics.co.uk

Roger Knight

Chairman of DAFC Youth Section, R.K. Graphics

I’m a long time Retired Civil Servant and Local to this area all my life.

I’ve followed DAFC since being given a Season Ticket at the age of 13, and played the game, for a time under Alf Bentley at Snowdown Colliery FC, but like to think I was better known locally as a Cricketer—another great sport!

I love to see the lads out on the pitch on Sundays, rather than playing Computer Games, and certainly enjoy the job I do for The DAFC Youth Section.

John Richards

Fixture Secretary

Chris Lynch is the Head of Youth Development at Dover Athletic Youth Section, he is charged with developing young talent throughout the ages ranges of U13’s – U18’s ensuring a standard of excellence is achieved, in line with the first teams ambitions of attaining league football status.

He is also charged with creating an environment for both players and coaches to aspire to the highest possible levels.

Chris is the U18’s Manager at Dover Athletic a position he has held since June 2016. And the author of the Youth Development Model for the Youth Section.

Chris begun his career playing youth football in Dover, representing both Dover and Kent. He spent time on trial with Luton 1996, then Watford in the championship under Graham Taylor in 1999, Chris was highly sought after in the late 90’s with both Manchester United and Aston Villa courting him, unfortunately his playing career was cut short due to injury.

Chris is a qualified UEFA/FA licensed coach and our head coach at DAFC Youth Section.

Chris Lynch

Head of Youth

My love for football started when I first got involved as a youth player for Folkestone. I played there for many years whilst also competing at schools level and was later a member of a Kent college team that went on to win the college national trophy and also the London college cup at the famous Hackney Marshes.

However, its coaching I really enjoy and as I approach my 10th year, I’ve had the absolute privilege of working with hundreds of players of varying ages and ability levels from u6 to seniors.

I first started at local side Dover Rangers and later spent a few years working with Crystal Palace before progressing to coaching/managing at District schools level.

More recently I’ve completed a lot of charity work for ‘Football Beyond Borders’ raising money for disadvantaged children to take part in football and I continue to set up community based sessions to get children from all walks of life involved in the beautiful game.

An FA licenced coach, I have a real passion for coaching/developing players and I’m really looking forward to working with this incredibly talented bunch of lads at Dover Athletic, and its fantastic to be apart of the club I’ve supported since a boy.

Colin Wilkins

Under 18's Manager

Jason begun his career playing youth football in Deal,representing both Deal and Dover District and also trialling for Gillingham.He had a spell at Dover Athletic Reserves before moving back to Deal Town F.C.

Here he represented them for 8 years in the Kent League to which is where he finished his career.

Once having children of his own he then moved into coaching youth football at Deal Town Rangers,which he has
now been involved in for 7 years.He is now looking forward to a new challenge with Dover Athletic u13s.

Jason Meleady

Under 18's Assistant Manager

Toby Roberts is the team manager and has been coaching football for many years now, with recognised FA qualifications including Level Two Football Coaching and FA Level Two Talent Identification.  Toby hopes to keep developing his skills with continuous personal development and has ambitions to take the next level in the FA coaching course pyramid.

Toby has played football to a good standard, including YTS.  Unfortunately, like many, his football playing career was cut short due to a serious leg break.

“As a football coach, seeing and supporting young players improving, has to be one of the most important aspects within my coaching philosophy and this gives me a great sense of pride.”

Toby Roberts

Under 13's Manager

I have been involved in youth football since I was 13 years old, starting as helper. Then in 2016 I got offered to be an assistant coach for Dover Athletic Youth U16s. I am currently with the U15s and have been for the past 2 years.

I am passionate about player development, and would like to see 3 players from the team to progress into the academy then eventually get the opportunity to sign for Dover Athletic first team.

Josh Head

Under 15's Assistant Coach

I’m Rory Woodward the current under 15’s assistant coach, I have been involved in football coaching for the past three years. I got involved with coaching initially to help-out but have found myself really enjoying seeing the progression of our team and players.

My coaching philosophy is for my players to play with no fear and to enjoy playing football. I currently hold FA level 1 qualification.

Rory Woodward

Under 15's Assistant Coach

Toby Roberts is the team manager and has been coaching football for many years now, with recognised FA qualifications including Level Two Football Coaching and FA Level Two Talent Identification. Toby hopes to keep developing his skills and continue his personal development and is in the first steps preparing to apply for the UEFA B coaching award to further develop his coaching knowledge and deepen his coaching knowledge and pitch side tactical analysis

“As a football coach, seeing and supporting young players improving, has to be one of the most important aspects within my coaching philosophy and this gives me a great sense of pride.”

Toby Roberts

Team Manager

Pat has been involved in football as a player and coach for many years. He has played for DoverAthletic, Charlton Athletic U18s, Canterbury City and Sheppey Utd. He was also skipper for his county representative side as well as playing for Kent schoolboys.

He has coaching qualifications in football and futsal as well as being a club welfare officer and a Kent FA Mental Health Champion. He was part of the Chelsea FC foundation for 5 years and during this time worked with the likes of Graeme Le Saux, Hope Powell and Frank Lampard. He is currently the Chair of the Dover Schools Football Association.

He has been involved in running grassroots teams for 12 years in the East Kent Youth League and now the Kent Youth League. Pat is also a director for the PACE Football Academy which he has run for over 10 years.

Pat Sutcliffe

Team Manager

I played for Dover Athletic Youth teams and reserve team back in the mid to late 90s. I started coaching youth teams in 2007 and am the current chairman for Dover Rangers FC.

I am FA level 2 and youth module 2 qualified and have a variety of experience coaching all ages. I am also currently the Dover and Deal schools district manager for the U13s.

Passionate about football and improving the football environment within the Dover area and providing the best possible learning experience for players

Steve Mart

Under 13's Manager