A merger of Heybridge Swifts Football Club and Heybridge Youth Football Club looks set to take place this summer.

The proposed merger will now be tabled at the annual meetings of both clubs this summer for official approval with the early signs being that the plan has huge support.

As Heybridge Swifts Football Club strive to develop to become the number one non-League community club in the country, the merger would enable the club to move forward with a sound structure in place both in terms of youth development, fan base and administration.

Craig Riches, chairman of Heybridge Youth FC, said: “This proposed merger is a huge positive move forward for both clubs, bringing together the senior teams of Heybridge Swifts and over 200 junior players from Heybridge Youth.

“Providing a strong football structure to allow players the opportunity to progress was a key factor in this decision.”

In World Cup year the interest in the national game will be at its highest, especially among the young contingent of football talent that Heybridge Youth possess and the forthcoming 2010/11 season promises to be an exciting time for both parties.

Riches added: “I am keen that as one club we give the whole community an easy decision to make when it comes to selecting the right club to play football for.

“With access to excellent facilities and fully qualified coaches Heybridge Swifts Youth gives boys and girls of all ages the best opportunity possible to play football in the area.”

Up to now Heybridge Youth Football Club have been independent and rent their land off Heybridge Swifts Football Club. Heybridge Swifts chairman Nick Bowyer said: “We will be able to attract not only the best players and coaches in the region but our successful product will attract commercial partnerships as well.

“Grants, sponsorship and sport funding will be easier to obtain.

“We like to think that the Non-League Community Club will be something the people of Heybridge and surrounding areas can use and be proud of.”