STOURPORT Swifts aim to head into the 2003/04 Dr Martens Western Division season with more of a community feel.

Boss Dave Titterton said the club were determined to get the town behind them in their ambitious plans to progress.

Swifts are keen to reach the highest standard possible when the non-league pyramid is restructured next summer.

A Conference North and South are set to be created below the existing Football Conference, meaning a top-10 finish for Stourport could see them fill a place in the Dr Martens Premier.

They have planning permission for an astroturf surface at Walshes Meadow but are depending on financial support from the Football Foundation.

Swifts are also waiting for permission to enter their first U-18s team in the Midland Floodlit Youth League under the guidance of veteran player Jan Mulders.

Titterton said: "We have come a long way as a team but we need to progress as a club too.

"From top to bottom, we need a structure. The backroom people here have done a tremendous job but they can't do everything.

"We're putting up a real plea for people to get involved here. The astroturf surface is going to be a massive project for the district.

"It's going to be very much community based so we want the people of Stourport and the surrounding areas who are going to benefit to come and help us.

"We want to eventually have three or four teams at youth level plus a reserve side."

Anyone interested can contact chairman Chris Reynolds on 01299 250800.

The players are due to return on Saturday for their first pre-season training session.

Swifts have signed wing-back Mark Jones, keeper Lee Evans, midfielders Ronnie Sayer and Mark Beddowes and striker James Wood during the summer.

Utility player Willie Dunn has also returned to Walshes Meadow and there are likely to be a few trialists at training.

Young midfielder Anthony Fletcher has been released as Titterton believes he needs first-team football.

Meanwhile, former Swifts' target Richard Burgess has joined Redditch who have also signed Steve Pope, once of Kidderminster Harriers.