NEWQUAY AFC have announced Jason Waterman as their new director of football.

The Peppermints are riding a crest of a wave at the moment with the first team competing at their highest-ever level in the Western League Premier Division, while the rest of the senior sides which also includes a ladies and vets team are also looking to keep growing.

The club also have a talented number of youngsters coming through which is why a director of football has been appointed.

A club statement read: “This marks a significant step in the club’s ongoing growth and development. This strategic appointment heralds a new era for Newquay AFC, reinforcing its commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch.

“The appointment follows a period of significant success for Newquay AFC, with all teams enjoying strong performances and achievements. This season, many of the club’s youth players have progressed into senior football, already achieving impressive results and demonstrating the strength of Newquay AFC’s development pathway. The club continues to build momentum, strengthening its community presence and enhancing its reputation for nurturing talent.

“In his new role, Jason will oversee all football-related activities across the senior teams, ensuring sustained success, fostering player development, and promoting the club’s values. He will serve as the central link between the club committee, team managers, and players, driving alignment and communication at all levels.

“A key focus for Jason will be the continued strengthening of Newquay AFC’s youth development programme. He will enhance progression pathways to ensure talented young players have clear opportunities to advance from grassroots levels into senior squads. This includes developing coaching structures, creating tailored development plans, and fostering closer relationships with local schools and community organisations to support emerging talent.

“Jason will also implement a long-term football strategy, set performance targets, and lead recruitment and retention of coaching staff. He will facilitate professional development opportunities, strengthen community ties, and ensure alignment with FA guidelines and league regulations.”

A Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and CMI-qualified Leadership Coach and Mentor, Jason specialises in creating high-performing environments and supporting people to thrive. He brings extensive experience from senior leadership roles at 11:FS, Boston Consulting Group, proSapient, and Adecco, alongside non-executive director and trustee positions. Jason is also the director of people, culture and HR for the Cornwall FA and a board member of the Cornwall FA, providing deep insight into football governance and development. An FA-qualified coach, Jason is now based in Cornwall with his family, balancing his passion for football with fitness challenges and family life.

"I’m thrilled to take up the director of football role here at Newquay AFC in what is a hugely exciting period for the club," said Jason.

"We want to build on the fantastic recent on-pitch success, as well as the brilliant work that has happened off the pitch, and develop a thriving, community-focused club.

“Newquay AFC already has passionate people, brilliant volunteers, and a strong youth set-up. My aim is to bring structure, support, and long-term thinking to help all teams grow and thrive together.

“One of the things I’m most excited about is helping bring all of our senior teams – firsts, seconds, thirds, vets, and the women’s team – closer together as part of one club, with shared standards, support, and visibility, as well as a clear and defined pathway from youth to senior football. The Newquay community plays a massive part in the club’s success, and as the town grows we aim to build a club that you continue to be proud of."

Reflecting on Jason’s appointment, vice-chairman Alan Lenton said: "Jason’s wealth of experience, leadership, and vision make him the perfect person to lead Newquay AFC into an exciting new chapter.

“He will drive performance across all teams, continue to strengthen our youth development programme, and create clear pathways for young players to progress through the club.

“This season, many of our youth players have already made the step up to senior football and achieved amazing results, showing the strength of our development system.

“Beyond the pitch, Jason will deepen our community engagement and strengthen the culture of excellence at every level. This is a transformative appointment for Newquay AFC, and we are thrilled to have him on board."