Ex Kidderminster Harriers player John Powell is at the helm of coaching in the club, supported by an excellent secretary in Jim Tyler and School-Club Links Officer Lisa Hollis.

With the club members all working together, coaching was provided over three weeks at the club setting for 80 young players aged 6 and 7, utilising existing club personnel to run the sessions, followed by a mini-festival after the first few weeks.

Each school was allocated two FA qualified coaches who worked with the same schools from the initial coaching session through to the festival, to aid the transition and continuity of the young people to potentially join the club.

The club, currently playing in the Stourport and District Youth League, offer teams from mini-soccer through to eleven-a-side and have worked hard to be fully inclusive where possible, offering football to those players with not even the greatest ability.

To develop on their achievements, the club attended a presentation delivered by Andy Norman, Football Development Officer for the Worcestershire FA, which helped formulate some ideas and then followed with the proposal and delivery highlighted.

This included contacting another Charter Standard club in the area to accommodate two players when they couldn’t, demonstrating some excellent team working.

"The project was all the club’s idea" said Andy Norman, "and all I have done is provide them with support and guidance along the journey.

"This is a fine example of the club adopting the Charter Standard ethos and opening doors for more children to enjoy playing football in a safe and fun environment."

Kidderminster Lions would like to thank all coaches, referees, players, schools and parents for their commitment to the school-club link festival. All the players enjoyed the coaching they received and it is hoped they will continue to develop their football skills.