Vance takes on new role with the Guernsey Football Association

In the newly-created role, he will have responsibility for overseeing a new GFA High Performance Pathway in partnership with Aztech Soccer, along with retaining direct responsibility for all representative age groups from U15 through to the senior men’s and women’s teams.

Vance emphasised that the new home of Guernsey football, Victoria Park, is a key component for what can be achieved.

‘The pieces of the jigsaw are being put in place and once we have got to that stage, then it’s imperative to say “we have got the foundations now, what can we do to challenge our future high-performing players and coaches to ensure we can start competing, winning and creating a better platform to what we have already?”,’ he said.

‘I do not like standing still. I want to make sure we embrace the new facility and what it provides as well as embrace what’s coming through in terms of high-performing players and coaches.

‘We have the facility, now we need the progress.’

Vance will work closely with the GFA board, along with the high-performance manager, to ensure that the overall structure for the representative teams and HPP is fit for purpose and aligns with the future ambitions of the GFA.

‘The role will involve Tony providing support to the coaches operating across the representative teams and HPP and overseeing the future process to recruit new coaches,’ said GFA chief executive officer Gary Roberts.

‘Tony has a wealth of experience and knowledge that is unmatched in Guernsey, along with a desire to ensure Guernsey football is successful.

‘This desire aligns with that of the GFA board, which is committed to supporting Tony in implementing this new structure – one that we hope will provide tangible long-term benefits for Guernsey football.’