KIDDERMINSTER Harriers are set to tackle a new partnership with Heart of Worcestershire College’s (HoW College) Worcester Football Academy.

The academy is open to aspiring footballers from across Worcestershire who have a passion and talent for the sport.

Managed by former Wolverhampton Wanderers player Mark Owen, the academy has achieved numerous successes in recent years including reaching the semi-finals of the National College’s Cup twice, winning leagues and having players sign contracts at professional and semi-professional clubs.

The partnership with the club is set to provide local students with an opportunity to progress through the college’s programme and into a career in the football industry.

Alongside the Harriers, HoW College will nurture and identify talented learners that can be progressed towards the club’s Under 23s Foundation Degree programme or its own thriving Foundation Degree programme.

Mark said: “It is a massive opportunity for us and a win-win situation as Kidderminster Harriers will be working in our college and we will be working with a big National North club.

“The lads now know they will go two or three years through our academy system and then there might be a chance of getting a contract at Kidderminster, and some really big opportunities.”

James Long, Harriers’ football development officer, added: “As a club we are constantly looking at ways to develop our young players and we want to give Worcestershire footballers the opportunity to make a career in football and believe we have the very best set up in the area to help do that.

“We want to develop our links with the local community and organisations and the Heart of Worcestershire College is a successful organisation with similar values to own.

“They, too, have an excellent coaching staff with a great track record in developing players and we want to be able to support all their hard work by offering a player pathway that can only benefit local footballers.”

For more information about joining the academy visit howcollege.ac.uk.

Entry is based on pre-season trial and successful enrolment on to one of HoW College’s full-time sport courses.