THE quest to find and mould players of the future is football’s search for the Holy Grail and Kidderminster Harriers Youth Academy have made great strides to enter that race.

The under-18s made a breakthrough by booking their place in the third round of the FA Youth Cup, for the first time in the club's history.

Connor Perry-Holmes bagged the winner on Wednesday night as they defeated Burton Albion 1-0 at the Pirelli Stadium.

It means when now entertain Blackpool at Aggborough on Saturday, December 20.

Only last week when they defeated Stratford’s young guns 3-1 at the DCS Stadium to book their place in the second round.

The team had scored 16 goals beating Tipton, Solihull and Coleshill to set up the match against Stratford. Goals from Michael Wright, Jordan Harrison and Callum Parker settled that thrilling clash.

The cup run is an indicator of the progress made since the club and Birmingham Metropolitan College went into partnership to offer youngsters a full-time education on and off the pitch.

Based at the college’s Centre of Sporting Excellence at the Old Chainwire club, the course now boasts 110 16 to 19 year olds who dream of a career in professional football.

“Before the game I put pictures of Burton’s ground up around the changing room just to give the players an idea of their reward for victory,” said Academy manager Steve Guinan.

“They haven’t played at a Football League ground, so it was a big motivation.

“The players have done really well and the run only increases our reputation.

“The young lads will suffer setbacks early on when they come up against 19-year-olds who are more physically mature, but they will also learn and improve.

“The players also train alongside the first team, which is great motivation for the young lads. They can follow the example of the senior professionals.

“Gary Whild and Mark Creighton have been very pleased with the players’ progress.”

As well as the cup run, Harriers’ under-18s have made a strong start to their campaign in the Midlands Division of the Football Conference Youth Alliance, winning their first four matches.

In the Midlands Youth Football League Premier Division South, Kidderminster have won four out of five.

“We make sure the players understand they must also work hard at their studies as well,” said Guinan.

“When I was a player I started studying at university, so I can get the point across.”

Picture - Back (L to R): Callum Parker, Lewis Clarke, Luke Maxwell, George Forsyth, Nathan Millichamp. Front: Reiss Potter, James Hancocks, James Whittingham, Jordan Harrison, Connor Perry-Holmes, Seth Ellis.