KIDDERMINSTER Harriers supporters are hoping the future is bright after setting up a fundraising scheme to provide a youth team at Aggborough.

The 250-club has been established to pay for 20 apprentices to receive full-time coaching and education.

Fans will be asked to contribute £250, either in a one-off payment or via 12 monthly payments of £20.83.

The cash would be controlled by the 250 club and used solely for the development and day-to-day costing of the youth scheme.

Harriers boss Stuart Watkiss has given the scheme his full backing and is a great believer in the importance of effective youth systems.

He achieved promotion with a young squad during his first managerial job with Mansfield before enhancing his reputation for unearthing young talent as the academy boss at Barnsley.

Watkiss has been keen on introducing a youth system at Kidderminster over the summer but his plans have been hasmpered by the behind-the-scenes wrangling at the club.

He hoped the new consortium of Barry Norgrove and Co would be able to generate funds for a youth team, but for the time being most of their funds are being directed towards the first team.

With money still tight at the club, Watkiss will only be able to recruit a squad of 20 full-time professionals, which could become stretched when the transfer window comes into effect.

If the 250-club is successful he would be able to supplement his playing staff with the 20 apprentice pros from the youth system.

"The board, staff and I are fully behind the 250 club and their efforts to assist me in setting up the youth scheme this season rather than in 12 months time.

"There will be a lot of people at the Harriers hoping that this comes to fruition and I would urge every individual Harriers fan and the local business community to support this initiative and come together to make it a real success."

The 250-club is the brainwave of a group of fans spearheaded by businessman Karl Rose. As well as supporters parting with their hard-earned cash, Rose is hoping local businesses will also put their hands in their pockets to safeguard the future of the town's football club.

"The youth set-up at Kidderminster Harriers is a vital element in its long term future but the current situation impacts heavily on the club's short term plans as well," said Rose, who revealed that regular fundraising events would also be organised.

"There hasn't been a youth team of sufficient standard at Kiddy for a while now and we suffer as a result.

"We need this scheme to go ahead and we need the local business community and individual sponsors to come forward and help us out."

The scheme already has enough support to go live almost instantly, but significant financial input is required to ensure its long-term success.

Under the plans, the apprentices would enrol on a two-year local college course tailored to providing football coaching and academic study.

There will be a designated football coach and a college lecturer on board to run the scheme.

Watkiss is anxious to start selecting lads who show potential from the existing youth team and will be looking closely at players released by larger neighbours including Villa, Wolves and Albion.

Any supporters or businesses interested in pledging their support to the 250-club can phone Watkiss at Aggborough on 01562 823931 or contact the committe on info@the250club.co.uk

The committee can also be reached by phone or text on 07747 111312, 07973 490110 or 07790 056958.