Maidstone United have signed Lee Spiller as their technical adviser to help find and develop first team players of the future.

The former Chelsea, Gillingham and Ebbsfleet midfielder, who co-founded leading coaching organisation Soccer Elite FA, will work alongside Maidstone’s director of football Bill Williams to develop the best talent from under 5s to under 16s. He will oversee the club’s player development centres on Wednesdays and Saturdays, holiday soccer schools and coaching clinics.

Spiller, who takes on the role in addition to his work as Head Coach of Soccer Elite FA, said: “I am delighted to take on the role as technical adviser for Maidstone United. The club is ambitious and has gone from strength to strength in the last few years. It is my home town club, which I played for as a schoolboy before working under Bill Williams when he was general manager at Gillingham FC.

“I am looking forward to linking up with him again, implementing a unique coaching programme and putting in place a structure for players to have a route in to the Stones first team. Replicating the success of Soccer Elite, we’ll be looking to maximise opportunities for local talent to be discovered and developed.”

Bill Williams said: “Developing players to higher levels and preparing them for first team action is the main priority. Our vision is to connect the technical side of the game and work together to help players reach their highest potential. Soccer Elite will do a great job in building a strong foundation for our players and with our present playing structure; we will be able to provide even more opportunities for the right players.”

Maidstone United and Soccer Elite announced an historic partnership late last year – the first of its kind for both organisations. Under the agreement Soccer Elite are Maidstone United’s main coaching provider and primary source for identifying and developing the best young talent in Maidstone and the surrounding areas.

Also in the pipeline are an advanced-level development centre and matches between Maidstone United teams and other junior academies in the county and further afield.