Sean Williams recently caught up with Ben Ogilvy, who has been appointed to the role of Head of Development. Ben discussed his delight at being back in the city, and where he sees the club’s youth section going in the future.

The new man, whose own playing career was cut short through injury, has vast experience in the game.

“I was lucky enough to gain valuable experience during my playing days whilst also having great memories and occasions along the way, all of which have helped me over the last few years. I have most recently been managing at senior level over the last few years. I also have experience of working at Academy level and also helping establish junior football at grassroots level in my hometown club.”

He does believe the experience he has accrued, particularly in coming through as a youngster himself, will be useful in the development role.

“I have been through it. I am fully aware of what it takes and I want to provide the opportunities for other young players to achieve some of the experiences I achieved. I also have managed to build up great relationships with people over the years and I will be working with them to help me in my role.”

Ogilvy, a familiar face from his playing days, is pleased to be back in the city and around some of the same fans he once played for.

“I always had a great relationship with the supporters at Bangor and coming through the junior section in Bangor and getting into the 1st team at 16 years old was a great feeling. I loved playing in front of the fans at the special Farrar Road and I would like to think the fans acknowledged I always gave my all in a Bangor shirt. That helped me build some great friendships and relationships, and to be working with them again on this exciting project trying to bring back those good times back to Bangor is a challenge I’m relishing.”

It may be early days, but Ogilvy is clear about immediate and long-term plans for the development section.

“The youth section is new and we only have 3 teams at the moment (one of which, the under-10s, was only formed last week ) so we have some work to do, and that work has already begun. At the start of next season, whenever that will be, we will have a team for every age group competing in the local Gwyrfai League from under-6 to under-16. We will be announcing further details soon. Long term targets involve looking at making the next step into Academy level when the time is right. This will again provide a great platform for the young players going through into senior football.”

The importance of developing young players is something Ogilvy doesn’t downplay.

“It is vital, not just for us here but for every football club. Young players will always be the future of the club, and the better the players that come through the stronger the club will be at senior level. Having good local players is something Bangor fans love to see, and that is what we are planning on producing here at 1876. We will be recruiting some of the best coaches in the area, this will give the young players a great opportunity of developing into top players.”

One thing that the club was able to display during its first season was an impressive array of local talent. This is something Ogilvy is hoping will continue on.

“Local players playing for your local club always has a positive impact on the club and the surrounding area. Playing for pride and playing for the badge is something we want introduce at junior level, we want them to feel a part of something special and want them to be proud to wear the 1876 shirt.”

Ogilvy isn’t expecting an easy ride, but does have trust that the club has what it takes to overcome whatever hurdles it might face.

“Nothing happens overnight and it will take time however I’m extremely confident that with the structure of the club, the people running it and the fan base that we will be successful and we will achieve our targets. A lot of clubs have ambitions and targets but here the ambitions are realistic and are achievable. We have a board that know what they are doing and where we are going, they care about the club and about each other. Because of that it makes the challenges easier to overcome.”

Ogilvy appears confident about the club’s prospects going forward.

“We at 1876 have a clear plan, which is to get up the tiers as quick as possible and get this club competing at the highest level in Welsh football. Part of our plan is establishing a successful junior section that will make us one of the most appealing clubs to be a part of in this area. This will allow us to provide the best platform for young players of Bangor and the local area to make that step into the senior side and develop as top-quality football players. Bangor has a rich heritage of producing top local talented players and we want to continue that. We are here to support all players and coaches and we want everyone that becomes part of this club to feel as if they are part of one big family.”

Having seen the club from the outside since its inception, Ogilvy appears excited to play a hands-on role in its future.

“The progress of the club in its first year is really impressive, to be where it is now after less than two years is testament to everyone involved from the board as well as the players and coaches. Having seen how the club is run and the people involved in the running of the club it’s no surprise to see it where it is, and it will only get better. I feel proud to now be a part of a club that is going places and I can’t wait to play my part! Keep the faith!”