KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' community team have been recognised for the quality of their holiday coaching courses for the second successive year with a FA Charter Standard Award.

The team, who hold the sessions at schools throughout Worcestershire during the summer, passed with flying colours following a recent inspection.

More than 26,000 children received training from Harriers community coaches last season as the club attempt to attract the fans of the future.

Community officer Nick Griffiths believes links with the community are vital to Harriers' long-term survival.

"We need to keep encouraging children to come to the ground because they are our future supporters," he said.

To help their cause, the coaches this week recruited players from Kidderminster's first team squad to help with sessions.

Captain Mark Jackson and youngsters Russ Penn and Chris McHale all visited schools in Wyre Forest to pass on footballing tips.

Another new recruit to the coaching team this season is former Nottingham Forest player Brett Williams who spent 10 ears under the guidance of managerial legend Brian Clough.

One of the Scheme's major projects is their Minikickers soccer centres, which introduce football to children aged five to nine years.

These centres have been so successful that Harriers have been able to form Under-10s and U-11s teams this season - the first time since the Centre of Excellence was disbanded six years ago that the club have fielded junior sides.

The community scheme is entirely self financing and has received great support from Hire-It, who have sponsored the new teams and the West Bromwich Building Society, who have sponsored the schools programme with a £7,500 donation via the Mercian Trust.

Griffiths said: "The emphasis is on fun, participation and providing an opportunity for our junior supporters to play.

"It may take some years before we have a structure to provide players for our youth team, but that is our ultimate aim.

"For the moment, however, it is about our supporters becoming part of the club."

The girls' section is also thriving with the Girls Centre of Excellence now in its fourth season.

Harriers' U-16s have entered the new Midland Centre of Excellence League, starting with a 1-1 draw at Coventry City and a narrow 0-2 defeat to Leicester City.