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Sport Workington · West Cumbria

Reds put Carl Short in charge of the youth set-up Workington AFC appoint former Luton and Carlisle academy coach Carl Short as head of youth development

By Kris WM, editor 3 min read From workingtonafc.com
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Workington AFC appoint former Luton and Carlisle academy coach Carl Short as head of youth development
Photo: Graham Robson via Geograph / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Carl Short, five years at Luton's academy and in charge of Carlisle's under-15s and 16s, is now running the Reds' youth set-up. He's been with the under-23s since last August.

This one's for families with bairns playing at Workington AFC, and anybody who likes seeing the club bring its own through.

The Reds announced on Sunday 1 November that Carl Short is their new Head of Youth Development, starting straight away.

He's done five years at Luton Town's academy and ran the under-15s and under-16s at Carlisle United. He's got his UEFA A Licence and has been coaching the Reds' under-23s since August 2025. He'll work alongside Craig Johnston, who runs the boys' side, and James Telford, who runs the girls'. The club thanked Brian Dawson for what he's done in the job.

Club director Richard Lewthwaite said: "We are delighted Carl has agreed to take on the Head of Youth Development role and we look forward to working with him to ensure the young footballers of West Cumbria have the best opportunities and player development pathway available to them."

He added: "Never has it been evidenced more than in the last few weeks what a huge part our Youth Pathway plays in the creation of future first team stars and we now look to build on the foundations already in place to move it on to the next level."

Carl Short said: "I am delighted to step into the role of Head of Youth Development. Having been involved with the Under-23s programme over the past year, it has been fantastic to be fully immersed in youth football again."

He said: "Work is already underway to strengthen relationships with local academies and enhance the games programme for both boys and girls."

And: "My thanks go to the board for this opportunity—I can't wait to work with the coaches, players and parents over the coming weeks."

If you've a lad or lass in the set-up and want to know more, the full announcement is on the Workington AFC website and you can get in touch with the club through there.

Carl Short, who spent five years at Luton Town's academy and led Carlisle United's under-15s and under-16s, takes over Workington AFC's youth pathway straight away. He already coaches the club's under-23s.

This is for families with young players at Workington AFC, and anyone who follows how the club brings through its own talent.

The club announced on Sunday 1 November that Carl Short is its new Head of Youth Development, starting right away.

He spent five years at Luton Town's academy and led the under-15s and under-16s at Carlisle United. He holds the UEFA A Licence and has been on Workington's coaching staff since August 2025, working with the under-23s. He will work with Craig Johnston, who leads the boys' side, and James Telford, who leads the girls' side. The club thanked Brian Dawson for his work in the role.

Club director Richard Lewthwaite said: "We are delighted Carl has agreed to take on the Head of Youth Development role and we look forward to working with him to ensure the young footballers of West Cumbria have the best opportunities and player development pathway available to them."

He added: "Never has it been evidenced more than in the last few weeks what a huge part our Youth Pathway plays in the creation of future first team stars and we now look to build on the foundations already in place to move it on to the next level."

Carl Short said: "I am delighted to step into the role of Head of Youth Development. Having been involved with the Under-23s programme over the past year, it has been fantastic to be fully immersed in youth football again."

He said: "Work is already underway to strengthen relationships with local academies and enhance the games programme for both boys and girls."

He also said: "My thanks go to the board for this opportunity—I can't wait to work with the coaches, players and parents over the coming weeks."

What you can do: the full announcement is on the Workington AFC website, and parents with questions about the boys' or girls' sections can contact the club through it.