A YOUNG footballer from Bewdley is hoping to be the latest star to emerge from Birmingham City’s academy.

Oliver Mulders, 16, was one of nine players who have signed their first-year scholarships at the St Andrew's club.

Young prospects were invited along to the club's home last week with their family and friends for a special dinner in the Jasper Carrott Suite.

Blues boss Gary Rowett and academy manager Kristjaan Speakman formally welcomed the teenagers to the club at the official induction evening.

Mulders, who plays in central midfield and has been given the squad number 76, is the son of former Kidderminster Harriers and Stourport Swifts central defender Jan Mulders.

The youngster, who has just completed his GCSEs at Bewdley High School, signed for City’s youth set-up aged aged just eight.

He started playing for Bewdley Town Mini-Kickers when he was five and had two years with the squad.

Mother Ann said: “Olivia has worked so hard, he’s always been one of the top students at school and dedicated himself to Birmingham City.

"Jan has been a big influence on Oliver and we are so proud of him he, he’s deserved it.”

The full scholarships are designed for players of 16 and run for two years. Players combine football and education at the Club’s Wast Hills training ground.

The likes of Demarai Gray, Koby Arthur, Mitch Hancox and Adam Legzdins have all previously come through Blues’ scholarship programme.

Out of last year’s group of ten, seven have gone on to sign pro-deals with Blues, two have joined other professional clubs and one has gone to an American university on a full scholarship.