Darren Pont is back doing what he enjoys most after stepping down as Sittingbourne assistant manager.

Pont has moved into a new role with the Brickies, overseeing the club’s youth section as head of player development.

It’s a position that suits him well, coming from an academy coaching background at Gillingham.

He worked as No.2 to former boss Darren Blackburn as Sittingbourne enjoyed their best season in nine years, finishing 10th in Isthmian South East.

But he informed Blackburn midway through the campaign of his intention to step away from the first team.

Pont has produced a training programme for the club’s youth teams and wants to get the under-18 and under-23 sides playing the same way as new boss Nick Davis’ first team.

They will all be training at the same time at the Sittingbourne School on Thursday nights next season, which can only help.

“I did 13 years with the Gills academy, youth development is my background,” said Pont.

“I enjoy that more, it’s quite a rewarding role when you see players improve.

“I want to be working with the other coaches, which is what I also did last year, and mentor them. We’ve got some new coaches, so I’m a shoulder to lean on.

“I’ve written a coaching programme for all the age groups to follow, a six-week development plan.

“Rather than turning up not knowing what you’re going to do, the plan is there, you know what you’re working on each week. I think it’s easier if the coaches know what they’re going to be doing.

“I know a club who were quite strict on every age group playing the same way as the first team right the way through.

"I’d like the 18s and 23s to do that, however Nick wants to play, because if you’re going to get called up you need to know what you’re doing.

“The other groups, for me, you want that winning mentality but it’s more about development and enjoying themselves.

“Results aren’t the be-all and end-all in the younger age groups but however Nick decides to play will be encouraged in the 18s and 23s.”

While Sittingbourne are keen to get the most out of their youth set-up, they won’t be promoting players for the sake of it.

“The leap from under-18s to the Isthmian League is massive, it really is, so players have to be good enough,” added Pont.

“Even to get them around the first-team squad, in and around the changing room, so they can see what it takes to make that step, is important.

“The 18s, 23s and first team will all be training on the same night, so the option is there if Nick wants to get any of them involved.

"At too many clubs it’s the first team, the reserves and the under-18s and they’re all separate.

“We want to be one club here and we’re trying to get into a position where we can bring players through and maybe get them on contract and make some money for the club one day.

“We’re trying to push people on but only if they’re good enough.”

Bourne are looking for a head coach for their second under-18 side. Candidates should have their FA Level 2 coaching badge and, ideally, but not essentially, be working towards their Uefa B badge.

To register an interest, email Sittingbourne vice-chairman Andrew Marjeram on andrew@sittingbournefc.co.uk.