Pace Youth FC is a football club based in Southampton, New Zealand. Established in 2000, the club's vision is to create a safe environment for children to enjoy football within the local community. Their goal is to develop players' technical ability, social skills, and performance levels, while also introducing people to football regardless of age, ability, sex, religion, or ethnic background.
Since its founding, Pace Youth FC has experienced significant growth and now boasts 39 teams across all leagues. In 2006, the club formed a partnership with Testwood School, which has become their training and league match base. This partnership allows them to offer some of the most advanced facilities for youth football in the area, including an all-weather floodlit 3G artificial grass surface, equipment and goal storage facilities, and a recently added refreshments hut.
The club has gained recognition from professional clubs in the surrounding area, with their teams being invited to play friendlies at the training facilities of clubs such as Bournemouth, Chelsea, Reading, and Southampton's Youth Academy. This unique opportunity allows the players to experience the atmosphere of these clubs and some players have even been offered contracts at various professional clubs as a result.
Pace Youth FC has also been a leader in growing girls' football in the region, establishing seven girls' teams within just four seasons. This growth provides more opportunities for girls within the club to play football at a level that suits them.
All managers and coaches at Pace Youth FC hold at least FA Level 1 qualifications, ensuring that players receive quality coaching and guidance. The club is supported by a dedicated committee, including key individuals such as Ian Lewis, the Chairman and Club Secretary, Jack Oughton, the Vice Chairman, and Neil Vincent, the Treasurer. Dan Le Feuvre serves as the Club Welfare Officer, ensuring the safety and well-being of all club members.
Simon Meacher, the Operations and Commercial Director, as well as the Adult Club Chairman, has played a vital role in the growth of girls' football at Pace Youth FC. He also helped establish Pace FC for adult players and currently serves as Chairman, while managing the Pace Women's Team. Zoe Babey, the Girls Secretary, manages the U11 Persians Girls team and oversees the girls' football programme.
Simon Randell, the President of Pace Youth FC, has been involved with the club since 2002 as Vice Chairman and Chairman. Through his leadership, the club has risen from a new club to one of the premier youth football clubs along the South Coast. He has also enjoyed a successful eight-year stint as the manager of the Pace Pumas team.
Pace Youth FC is dedicated to the development of young players, providing them with the opportunity to enjoy the sport of football and reach their full potential, regardless of their background or ability.