AN ex-Kidderminster Harriers player is starting up a new kid’s football academy in Kidderminster.

Martin Riley, who now plays for Stourbridge Football club is adding two more locations to his 'Kixx' football academy.

As well as starting classes at King Charles School on Comberton Road the 35-year-old is also starting classes at The Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge.

Martin, who has been playing football since he was 16, said: "It has been a difficult period for a lot of children over lockdown, so these classes are all about making friends and developing children through football.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Martin started Kixx two years ago in Wolverhampton. Martin started Kixx two years ago in Wolverhampton.

"I already have two academies in Wolverhampton, one being in Codsall and the other at the Goals Soccer Centre in Wolverhampton and i wanted to expand.

"We have a discovery day tomorrow (May 22) in Kidderminster and one on Sunday (May 23) at Crystal Leisure Centre. We have over 150 children coming over the two days so it should be fun."

Initially, the classes will be for children between the ages of two and six but Martin is hoping to put on more classes after the first few weeks.

The official opening weekend for both academies is June 5 and 6, with classes being held every Saturday in Kidderminster and every Sunday in Stourbridge.