WORCESTER City have been given a £15,000 grant to develop its thriving youth set-up.

The St George’s Lane club, which runs teams from under 12s to under 16s, along with an under 18s and elite development squad, has received the money from the Football Conference Trust.

It will be used to train coaches and develop partnerships with schools, colleges and the University of Worcester.

The youth structure has gone from strength to strength since being taken under the wing of Nunnery Wood Colts in February 2011 and aims to provide a route into the first team.

City director Mark Wilcox, who is also Colts chairman, said: “Our youth teams continue to develop, competing at the highest level in the surrounding counties.

“I am privileged to be receiving a £15,000 grant from the Football Conference Trust to further develop our City youth structure within the community.

“This project sets out to increase the profile of Worcester City Football Club through community links within the city itself.

“To enable the players to develop further and entice new players along we need to bring in additional coaching staff, to work with the lads and support our current coaches.

“We want to link up with a number of local schools to promote the club and make people more aware of our club.”

A cheque is due to presented to the Blue Square Bet North outfit by Lord Faulkner, vice-president of the Football Conference, at today’s match against Bradford Park Avenue.

Lord Faulkner is also a member of the Trust, which receives its funding from the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association.

He said: “The Trust’s aim is to support and encourage the development of community programmes at all of our member clubs.

“Worcester City is one of over 50 clubs undertaking important work in their communities at the moment.

“The creation of the Trust has given a tremendous boost to Football Conference clubs, many of whom have been working with their local communities for several years, mostly supported from their own funds. We hope that this opportunity will allow clubs to grow and sustain their work.

“With the Trust’s support Worcester City have been able to develop a very worthwhile project, one which will improve the life experience of those involved and one which will ensure that the club are seen locally as something more than their local football team.

“We hope that this project will be the first of many at the club.”