BEWDLEY Town and Kidderminster Harriers youth section have announced they will be teaming up for next season.

From the 2010-11 campaign, Harriers and Bewdley will share a 40 strong ground of youth team players which will represent the clubs in the Midlands Youth Floodlit League.

The deal has advantages for both clubs, with the first year youth teamers representing Bewdley in the Southern Division, while the players in their second year wearing the red and white of Harriers in the Premier Division South.

For Bewdley, it would mean they have access to some of the best youth team players in Wyre Forest, who will be training four times a week and attending college.

It will also ensure that the Harriers' youngest players will be competing a strong level.

The clubs are set to hold an open day at the end of the season to recuit players for next season.

Former Harriers keeper Darren Steadman, who also plays and coaches for Town, played a pivotal role in getting the project started.

Joint Bewdley manager Craig Payton believes the partnership will bring benefits for the Ribbesford Meadow outfit.

He said: "I'd like to thank Darren Steadman for instigating this deal, he's the one who got the ball rolling.

"Harriers have taken a good look at us and liked the way we play football and the way we're ran.

"It's a big boost for a club like ours to be connected with a side in the Football Conference.

"We'll have access to some of the best young players in Wyre Forest. They will be training four days a week and attending college, which is very important.

"We know that Harriers will always get first choice but even if we get one or two players through for us each season it will be worth it."

Harriers Football in the Community coach Nick Griffiths felt that Bewdley shared the same attitude towards football and felt they were an ideal choice.

He said: "We liked what we saw when we had a look at Bewdley, they are the same attitude towards how the game is played.

"It's a good chance for our players to be involved in a good standard of football whether they play for under the Kidderminster Harriers or Bewdley banner.

"We can also keep on eye on how players are doing in both teams and if they're doing well, they can train with the senior squad."

The news comes at the right time for Town, who have enjoyed victories in the league and cup this week.

Last Wednesday, Town thrashed Oldbury Athletic 6-0 in the West Midlands League Cup quarter-finals.

Goals for Harriers youth team player Sam Woodhouse (2), Steve Holt (2), Lewis Pountney and Chris Hough ensured Town will go to Ledbury in the last four on Wednesday, March 17.

Holt also bagged the winner as Bewdley defeated Dudley Sports 1-0 in the West Midlands League Premier Division.

Victory, their first in eight league games, ensured they eased any relegation worries.

Town, who entertained Ludlow yesterday, go to Heath Town Rangers on Saturday (3pm kick-off), before their Cup clash against Ledbury next Wednesday. Their Worcestershire Senior Cup semi-final at home to Alvechurch has been set for Thursday, April 8 (7.45pm kick-off).