Reading City Football Club is delighted to announce that our Under 23’s side will be competing in the 2024/25 Thames Valley Premier League Premier Division this season after maintaining their status. They will be doing so under the charge of newly appointed Manager Sheldon Baptiste and and Assistant Manager Mimi Olaide.
The Thames Valley Premier League (TVPL) sits in Step 7 of the English Football Pyramid, acting as a feeder division for those further up in the ranks. Founded in 1989 as the Reading Senior League before rebranding to its current name ahead of the 2014/15 Season, it features five divisions, with our Under 23’s side having the honour of competing in the Premier Division. As of the previous season, the league is composed of 57 clubs, starting with ‘Division Four,’ before continuing up through the ranks of Division Three, Two and One, until reaching the Premier Division.
The season typically runs from August to May, with 14 teams all competing for promotion from the Premier Division into the Combined Counties League, including Henley Town and newly promoted side Newbury, who have recently moved up following promotion and a successful application from Division One.
We also have several local derbies to look ahead to with near-neighbours Burghfield and Westwood Wanderers competing alongside us, as well as further trips away to grounds when visiting AFC Winkfield and Maidenhead Town. Our Under 23’s will also come face-to-face with Oxfordshire-based Woodcote FC, in addition to local opposition Reading YMCA and Wargrave.
Q: How excited are you to be taking the reins as Under 23s Manager and what does it mean to you?
A: I am very excited to be taking on the job after some good conversations with Martin and Simon. I felt that both wanted and trusted in my ability to do a good job this season. What it means to me is that it’s an opportunity for me to step into the realms of Saturday football and showcase what I can do.
Q: What can fans expect from you this season? What kind of approach would you like your squad to take?
A: The fans can expect committed performances each time the players pull on the shirt. It’s important that the players understand the meaning of going out every Saturday to collect 3 points. From a playing standpoint myself and Mimi are looking to set the team up to be defensively solid and offensively efficient.
Q: You’re no stranger to the Rivermoor, having been part of the coaching team at Woodley United, what assisted your decision to come to Reading City?
A: Like you said I’m no stranger to the Rivermoor having dealt with Martin last season in assisting FC BAPCO with our run in the FA Sunday cup. We quickly built up a common understanding which made This decision an easy one.
Q: How important is pre-season for the development of your players?
A: For me at this level preseason is key to driving culture and standards more than anything. We aren’t full time so the coaching hours you get with the players are limited therefore it’s about getting to know the players on a personal level and identifying who will require what from me as the manager to ensure they maximise their full potentials in training and on match days.
