Juniors

YOUNGSTERS from Redditch United's youth set-up rubbed shoulders with the stars of Birmingham City when the sides teamed up for a new partnership.

United's director of youth football, Steve Rossiter, was also on hand when the teams met at the Blues training ground.

"We needed a link with a professional club," Rossiter explained. "They had heard a number of good reports about the youth set-up at Redditch United and invited us to come on board, forming an alliance with them."

And he added that the Valley Stadium club had impressed bosses of the Premiership side - particularly former Reds defender Steve Hopcroft who is now recruiting officer with the St Andrews outfit.

"He was impressed by the way the managers and players conducted themselves. We are also addressing some of the bad things associated with the club in the past and looking to progress football in the area and become the focal point for Redditch teams.

"It is great logistically as they are just up the road and they are a big Premiership side and it gives the lads who aspire to better things the chance to have some involvement as Birmingham City will hold coaching sessions and development days."

One player has already made the switch to the Blues. Charlie Bannister was playing for Redditch United u8s last season but was scouted and is now part of the Academy set-up at Birmingham City.

"It is very much a two-way thing though as we can offer football to players who don't quite make the grade at Birmingham."

Hopcroft said he was delighted with the arrangement.

"I look to work with people who are doing it for the right reasons," he said.

"There are going to be times when Birmingham City benefit and other times when Redditch United will benefit but it is certainly a two-way thing."