Former Brentford man appointed to Academy Manager position.
Colchester United are pleased to welcome Jon De Souza as the club's new Academy Manager.
Jon brings with him a wealth of experience of youth and U21s football, having previously been at Luton Town and Brentford before joining the U's.
He was Academy Manager for the U9 through U16s with Luton before becoming Youth Team manager and then oversaw the U18s and U21s teams at the Bees up until the end of last season.
He started his new role with the U's on Friday and can't wait to get his teeth into his job at Florence Park.
Jon told the official website: "I'm really impressed with the facilities and structure of the club.
Jon brings with him a wealth of experience of youth and U21s football, having previously been at Luton Town and Brentford before joining the U's.
He was Academy Manager for the U9 through U16s with Luton before becoming Youth Team manager and then oversaw the U18s and U21s teams at the Bees up until the end of last season.
He started his new role with the U's on Friday and can't wait to get his teeth into his job at Florence Park.
Jon told the official website: "I'm really impressed with the facilities and structure of the club.
"Colchester are looking to do that and that really attracted me to the position and I am keen to see players here progress into the first team.
"I think anyone involved in youth development wants to get players into the first team, because that is the most satisfying part of the role.
"I think anyone involved in youth development wants to get players into the first team, because that is the most satisfying part of the role.
Jon will be busy watching a packed pre-season fixture programme for all age groups and he has already enjoyed meeting the various coaches that are looking after the U's stars of the future.
"The chairman has really invested in that side of things and I believe the club can progress back up through the leagues and that we can also find the young players that will help the club develop in the future."
"I think the infrastructure here is as good as I've worked in.
"The chairman has really invested in that side of things and I believe the club can progress back up through the leagues and that we can also find the young players that will help the club develop in the future."
"I think the infrastructure here is as good as I've worked in.
"I want to get to know the staff better on a one to one basis, and then I will see how I can help what is already a very successful youth department."
He added: "The club has got a great feel about it and everyone has been really helpful and approachable.
He added: "The club has got a great feel about it and everyone has been really helpful and approachable.