THE future of football in Wyre Forest has been secured after Worcestershire FA struck a deal with the district council to use public parks.

After 18 months of talks, the FA has set up a social enterprise company which will lease pitches at four sites through the area.

It has granted licences to the Kidderminster and District Football League (KDFL), Kidderminster Athletic juniors and Kidderminster Carolians RFC.

The league will look after pitches at Brown Westhead Park, Springfield Park and share White Wickets with KCs, with Athletic given the responsibility of Habberley.

Ernie Pyke, who is chairman of the KDFL, hailed the deal.

The league ended 120 years of Saturday football in the summer because of a dwindling number of teams, who found the cost of hiring pitches prohibitive.

“This is a big step forward for football in the area and we hope this move helps to secure its future in Wyre Forest,” said a jubilant Lane.

“One of the big problems has been teams were priced out of playing on the pitches.

“So we’re charging £50, which means we would break even.

“We don’t want to make a profit but we’re trying to do things properly and we’ve hired sub-contractors to cut the pitches, security for the changing rooms and a cleaning firm.

“The pitches have been nearly completely subscribed on Sundays and it’s gone without a hitch so far.”

Kidderminster Carolians are also set to create two further rugby pitches and training areas to expand their junior set up, they have also pledged to look after the district’s public bowling green.

Chairman Keith Skirving said: “We needed somewhere to expand and White Wickets is the ideal place for us.”

The agreement is the first of its kind between a county FA and a local authority.

Councillor Marcus Hart added: “We are actively encouraging further involvement by community groups into the management of their local assets.

“Having our sporting authorities and clubs take over the maintenance of playing fields is a great example of that approach.”

To book pitches for Brown Westhead Park, Springfield and White Wickets, email Ian Benbow, ijbenbow67@gmail.com For Habberley email john_plane@hotmail.com