Abbey Villa FC Youth was set up in 2004 by Phillip Strain and Noel Gilliespie with the formation of an U12 team. In 2005 Stephen McGimpsey took over the mantle, as coach, ably assisted by Phillip and Noel.                               

 In 2006 the U12s had moved up to the U14 category and the youth set-up expanded through the creation of a new U12 team. John Scott has kindly taken on the role of coach/manager to the U12 team assisted, initially by Noel, and more recently by Mervyn Dempster. Both teams play in the Ards Borough Youth Development League with matches taking place on a Saturday morning.

The U14 team, with the majority of the players having now played together for a few years, is having some success, recently reaching the semi-final stages of the cup whilst the U12 team is still finding its feet but most importantly, the kids are enjoying the experience of playing each week in a bona-fide team. 

Training is on a Wednesday night, 7pm at Cromellin Park in Donaghadee, and if kids, boys and girls, are interested in playing contact Stephen, at the number above, or come on down to training on a Wednesday. 

The long-term plan for Abbey Villa FC Youth is to have a team at all levels from U10 to U16 therefore, if any of the parents are interested in helping out on a Wednesday or Saturday then the assistance will be gladly appreciated. It should be noted that the Committee will expect all managers/assistants to complete a child protection course.