WORCESTER City will kick-off next season with a pre-season friendly in Belgium against Premier League outfit KSK Beveren on Saturday, July 12.

Beveren have links with City's outgoing shirt sponsors Petrochem Carless, who have agreed to finance the trip.

The Belgian side have risen from a village side to the top of football in their country, twice winning the Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the European Cup-Winners Cup in the late 1970s.

Based near Antwerp, Beveren are a nursery club for Arsenal and will be playing Arsene Wenger's side the week after they take on Worcester.

City director Dave Boddy said it was an opportunity for the club that was too good to pass up.

"It doesn't happen very often that we get the chance to play abroad but it's a great opportunity for team building and bonding against quality opposition," he said.

The club's centenary dinner is taking place at Worcester Rugby Club on Saturday, April 26.

Tickets are £25 a head and the current team plus former players will be at the event.

Anyone interested in attending call the club on 01905-23003.