As a result, the Glassboys are set to expand the grass roots side of the club. They already run junior sides ranging from Under-11's up to Under-18’s together with a highly successful youth side. That existing set-up is about to be increased further as the Glassboys look to add lower age groups to their ranks going right down to Under-7's.

Already the Glassboys have recruited UEFA qualified A and B coaches - many of whom have been ex professional players. Club Director and Youth Development Officer Andy Bullingham insists: "We really mean business! We want to be able to take youngsters from our lowest levels right through to the first team. Each team, at every level will have qualified coaches available to them - all of which will be preaching the same philosophy. Every player will have his own development plan. We want to educate all our youngsters both technically and tactically. We will be following the FA Four Corner Model which combines technical, physical, psychological and social attributes.”

The Glassboys believe a strong junior set-up will form the bedrock of the club for years to come. They insist a strong junior set-up is vital as they look to take the Glassboys into Conference level football.

As a result, the Glassboys have appointed John Kearney as Head of The Development Centre leading to grass-root Academy links with Birmingham City.

Mr Bullingham added: "We are deadly serious about developing this side of the club and everyone involved with Stourbridge FC has bought into this. So now we're calling on parents of talented children to get involved.”

An online application for trial must be completed via the Stourbridge FC website www.stourbridgefc.com by May 13th. Forms must be returned to John Kearney at jk2696@hotmail.co.uk

A presentation morning will take place for successful applicants at the club's War Memorial Athletic Ground headquarters in Amblecote on May 17th, when youngsters and parents alike can meet with manager Gary Hackett and his staff. Trials will then take place on May 25th, 1st June and 8th June at Greenfield.

Stourbridge use Swinford Road on Saturday's for their elite sides playing in the Midland Junior Premier League (MJPL).

Mr Bullingham added: "This is an importantly development for the club. We want to attract the most talented youngsters from the local area and beyond to come to Stourbridge. We feel this is the right way to take the club forward and we want to develop a junior set-up which is second to none. We want to see our youngsters have opportunities at professional clubs and/or go all the way through to our first team and beyond. We feel the best way to do that is to develop our own players and give them the best possible football education.”