STOURPORT Swifts have returned to pre-season training and are now preparing for a series of friendlies.

They will train on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for the next few weeks before their first practice game at home to Hednesford Town on Saturday, July 22.

Roy Rencher's men will then host Kidderminster Harriers on Wednesday, July 26, before entertaining Halesowen Town on Saturday, August 5.

A chance to take on Walsall's first team fell through at the last minute with the Saddlers opting to travel to Worcester City instead.

But Rencher and assistant Jake Findlay are still in talks with West Brom about the prospect of an Albion XI coming to Walshes Meadow.

Completing their pre-season programme will be trips to Pershore, Bromyard and Racing Club Warwick and a home clash with Bewdley Town on dates still to be decided.

Swifts will kick off the new season on August 19 in a new division following a re-structuring of the Southern Football League.

The league, who have replaced previous sponsors Dr Martens with British Gas Business, have created a Division One Midlands.

It will mean Swifts and their rivals will be in a regionalised division, cutting down on travelling expenses and creating more local derbies.

Division One Midlands teams: Aylesbury United, Barton Rovers, Bedworth United, Berkhamsted Town, Bishops Cleeve, Brackley Town, Bromsgrove Rovers, Chasetown, Cinderford Town, Dunstable Town, Evesham United, Leighton Town, Malvern Town, Rothwell Town, Rushall Olympic, Solihull Borough, Spalding United, Stourbridge, Stourport Swifts, Sutton Coldfield, Woodford United, Willenhall Town.

Meanwhile, Stourport believe the future of the club is in safe hands after the successful launch of their Football in the Community scheme.

Around 20 youngsters are attending Walshes Meadow each Saturday to receive training from qualified coaches.

With the scheme going from strength to strength organisers are keen to recruit a volunteer and sponsorship to ensure its future success.

Spokesman John Cawley said: "This is a new venture for the Swifts and has been set up via our hard working committee

"We're now looking for an individual to lead the scheme longer term and a sponsor to cover the financial commitment."

The £4 coaching sessions take place from 10am to noon on Saturdays and are open to boys and girls aged six to 12 of all abilities.

Qualified, police-checked coaches supervise the sessions which take place on grass, while there are changing rooms, toilets and refreshments on site.

Youngsters on the scheme will be given reduced admission to Swifts' first team home games during the coming season and some of the coaching sessions will be visited by special guests.

Members of Stourport's under-18s are also helping out with the coaching as they work towards various sports qualifications.

Club chairman Chris Reynolds is backing the Football in the Community project, describing it as a fun way for children to develop their football skills.

"We need to profile the club greater in the community," he said.

"I would like to invite new supporters and helpers to the club at all times, especially as we have this marvellous scheme running.

"There promises to be another season of quality football at the club through our Saturday first team and mid-week under-18's."

Businesses or volunteers interested in helping out at Swifts can contact Chris Reynolds on 01299 250800.