In 1982–83 the club decided to concentrate on developing a youth team policy to secure the long-term success of the club. The youth section has regularly enjoyed success at both League and County level since its formation and its most famous product is David Beckham, the Manchester United and England star who also played for Real Madrid. From the same team in which David played, Micah Hyde (Watford) now with Burnley and Jason Brissett (Walsall) both made the professional ranks whilst Ryan Kirby had spells at Arsenal, Doncaster Rovers, Stevenage Borough and Aldershot and Ian Wiles, a more recent product of the youth section, signed for Colchester United. Following these players' examples, there were a number of boys who regularly attended various Schools of Excellence.