Buckingham Football Club is delighted to announce a new strategic partnership with Varsity Nine, a leading player development organisation dedicated to creating elite pathways for aspiring footballers. The partnership represents a significant step forward in the Club's commitment to supporting player development, enhancing performance standards, and providing opportunities for progression both on and off the pitch.

Varsity Nine specialises in identifying, developing, and supporting talented players through a range of opportunities across non-league and professional football, international scholarship programmes, and higher education pathways. The organisation has built a strong reputation for helping players maximise their potential, with many progressing into professional club environments, securing overseas scholarships, and advancing both their sporting and academic careers. Through this partnership, Buckingham Football Club and Varsity Nine will work together to create a progressive and ambitious environment that supports the development of players at every stage of their journey.

As part of this exciting new collaboration, Buckingham Football Club is also pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Simpson as the Club's new Head Coach.

Joe joins the Club with extensive experience across the non-league game, having previously held coaching positions with St Albans City and Boston United. Most recently, he served as Head of Football Operations and Interim Manager at King's Lynn Town in the National League North, where he played a key role in overseeing football operations and first-team development.

Prior to moving into coaching and football management, Joe enjoyed a successful playing career as a goalkeeper, progressing through the King's Lynn Academy before representing the Norwich City Academy, Fakenham Town and New York Red Bulls U23s.

Joining Joe as part of the Club's new management structure are Sam Naylor and Josh Bonati, with further additions in due course, forming an ambitious and forward-thinking leadership team that will oversee football operations and player development at Buckingham Football Club.

Joe Simpson said:

"I am looking forward to playing my part in this exciting new partnership between Buckingham FC and Varsity Nine. Having met with Adam and Joe Cooper, it was evident from the off that they’re forward thinking, genuine people that take a great pride in making a positive difference to their club and community and I’m excited to contribute to the project and hopefully support the football club in their ambitious progression at this stage.

I take pride in trying to develop players and people and alongside the wider Varsity Nine coaching team, we will aim to bring both a competitive and hardworking group on the pitch here at Buckingham as well as a professional environment off of it. With the aim of supporting the development of young talent and giving them a platform to perform well in a style of play that will hopefully excite the fans.

It will be an evolving process here within the partnership but we are excited to push the boundaries and make it a success. We thank Adam and all the team at Buckingham for showing faith in us to help support the next steps of the clubs journey and we can’t wait to work together and make a positive impact over the coming seasons”

Chairman Adam Bray said:

"We are delighted to welcome Joe Simpson, his coaching team, and our new partnership with Varsity Nine to Buckingham Football Club.

There is a genuine sense of optimism around the Club, and we believe this represents a significant milestone in our journey. Joe and the Varsity Nine team bring valuable experience, professionalism, and a clear vision for the future, while this partnership further strengthens our ability to provide meaningful development opportunities for players at all levels.

I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to Vivion, Josh and Junior for their support, professionalism and commitment throughout the discussions leading to this partnership. Their shared vision for player development and football excellence aligns closely with our ambitions at Buckingham Football Club, and we look forward to building a successful future together.

Together, these appointments represent an important step forward in our ambition to continue growing the football club and achieving our long-term objectives, both on and off the pitch."

Everyone at Buckingham Football Club extends a warm welcome to Joe, his coaching team, and the Varsity Nine team as the Club looks forward to an exciting new chapter and a promising future together.