PORTLAND United and Ridgeway have joined forces in a new partnership to strengthen the development of both clubs, it has been announced.

Portland, of Step 5 in the National League System, have built a reputation for developing young players in Dorset via their player pathway.

The result is a youthful and talented squad at the disposal of boss Kyle Critchell, who is potentially set to utilise the best of Ridgeway’s emerging crop under the arrangement.

Their link-up is mutually beneficial, with Portland potentially sending players to Ridgeway, a Step 7 grassroots side in Dorset League Division Two, in return.

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Further adding strength to the new bond is Jake Richmond, current manager of Ridgeway and assistant to ex-Portland boss Simon Browne in the 2017/18 season.

In a statement, Portland said: “Portland United FC and Ridgeway FC are delighted to announce a new partnership which will see them link up together in a variety of mutually beneficial ways to assist the development of both clubs.

“The two clubs’ chairmen Matt Lucas and Tim Davis, men’s team managers Kyle Critchell and Jake Richmond, have endorsed the move after a series of meetings.

“Among the initial benefits will be Portland United providing all Ridgeway children, managers and coaches with membership cards to enable them to go and watch Portland United matches.

“Ridgeway will give access to a host of their promising young players who they believe can play at a higher level.

“In return, Portland United will assist Ridgeway men’s team and under-18 team by sending players to Ridgeway who they feel could benefit from additional game time.”

Blues’ chairman Matt Lucas said: "Building on our successful links with Portland United Youth, this is another exciting partnership with a really well run local club, as we continue to try and work together with all the clubs in the area, to give young players a platform to progress.

“Tim, Jake and everyone at Ridgeway are doing a terrific job and share an ethos that is very much aligned to our own."

Ridgeway’s Davis added: "We fully support Portland United for the way they endeavour to give local young players the opportunity to play at a decent level and we hope to provide them with a conveyor belt of talent that can become first-team players there in the future.

“We also want to form closer links with Portland United and their youth section and will be encouraging our kids to become regular spectators at their matches."