Local newsagent Phil Brock was involved in helping Exeter City overhaul its youth development policy in the early 1980s.  

Along with the likes of Dave Hughes, Phil helped City move from the long-established (but not always properly organised and often precarious) ‘apprenticeship’ system towards a more structured programme for 16-18 year old footballers that was introduced through the government's Youth Training Scheme from 1982/83. The first objective of the support group was to ensure that the Grecians were able to embark on the new scheme. 

Running a newsagency on Magdalen Road, Phil - who was originally from North Cornwall - also served as an Exeter City councillor.