Aldershot Town academy manager Richard Anderson says he loves the variety his role gives him.

Anderson has lifted the lid on his role as part of the Herald’s series of features on the inner workings of football clubs across the patch.

“It is a role that encompasses the running, management and recruitment of our under-eights team to our B team, our girls’ academy teams and development centres,” said Anderson.

“In addition to this it involves the day-to-day coaching of the B team, arranging and supporting of our young players out on loan, assisting our under-17s and under-18s coaches in the management and coaching of those age groups, and managing the overall running of our senior women’s team and supporting the senior women’s team staff to carry out their roles effectively.

“Within any one day I can go from administrative tasks such as organising matches and transport, budget planning, attending meetings or replying to emails, to acting as kitman for our teams, managing player development and progression and arranging player loans, through to coaching and managing across our age groups, organising our development centre sessions, or arranging and managing recruitment.

“No two days are ever the same. We have a small but incredibly loyal staff at the club who work very hard undertaking multiple jobs to keep the club operating. At times it isn't easy but we are all very passionate about the roles we do.

“With all of the changes that have been made across the first-team department, everyone is keenly looking forward to a new era in anticipation for what the new season will bring.”

Anderson says engaging with the local community is extremely important for the Shots.

“For us, engaging with the local community and supporters is essential,” he said.

“Arguably the club’s greatest strength is our supporters. Their passion and commitment to the club is why we can take nearly 20,000 fans to Wembley, have more than 500 attend our under-18s games in the FA Youth Cup and another 345 watch the first game at the EBB Stadium for our women’s team.

“Going into our centenary year, there has never been a more important time to be reminded of the role the supporters and local community played in shaping the club, and how important they will be in the years to come.”

Anderson says he has enjoyed a number of highlights during his time with the Shots.

“Many of the highlights in my role centre around watching our young players come through our pathway to feature in the first team,” said Anderson.

“Whether that be senior debuts for Mason Obeng in 2022-23, Ashley Akpan in 2024-25, or Toby Nelson and Joe Lewis-Evans in 2025-26, all are equally rewarding to see the boys’ dedication result in them achieving their aspirations.

“Being on the bench for the National League Cup fixture against Southampton last season where Toby Nelson, Maddox McMillan, James Martin and Charlie Sell all featured also stands out as a recent highlight.

“After considerable preparation and work, seeing the culmination of the work to re-establish the club's women's team with their first game, their first win and ultimately a league title was also a highlight.

“While development will always be the primary driver, it is still nice to see the pride and fulfilment in our players when they achieve success.”