"I WANT us to have the best academy ... I want us to continue bringing the best players through and I want the club to grow."

These words from Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd could well have come from Redditch United's new youth development director Pete Finnegan who has big plans to encourage the town's young footballers.

"It is all about giving kids the chance," he explained. "I want to help all the youngsters develop their football - not just the good ones. We have to get children out of the house and enjoying their football again."

And Finnegan, one of the five directors who took charge of the Valley Stadium club back in February, believes a healthy youth set-up is the only way for the club to grow.

"Redditch United has to be known as a family club," he added. "If children enjoy their football then that will lead to more families coming along on match days We need to encourage those family values.

"Things have happened in the past which we cannot change. We now have to build for the future."

One way forward for Finnegan is the launch of a Saturday morning club for children aged from 5 to 14 at the Valley Stadium.

"Youngsters will be able to play to whatever level they want. Fitness coach Ian Latham, who will also be working with first team this season, will also be there and we are hoping one or two players will also show an interest. The club will be open to all youngsters but we will not give them false hopes - not every child is going to make it as a footballer."

Finnegan is also hopeful that there will be a Redditch United reserve side for the start of the 2007/08 season.

"We have spoken about a reserve team which would enable us to bring players through.

"It won't be possible this season because of everything else happening at the club but we are aiming for the following season.

"We also need to work on our academy at the club - I want us to have one of the best outside of the football league."

Finnegan plans to start the Saturday morning club next month and a fun day has been arranged from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the Valley Stadium on Thursday, June 1.

For more details call Finnegan on 07968 891775.