THE Royal Grammar School Worcester and the Alice Ottley School (RGSAO) have arranged a link-up with Premier League giants Aston Villa.

RGS The Grange, Claines, will be a regional base for the Birmingham club’s community activities and talent identification for girls and boys. It will kick-off with a boys’ under 11s six-a-side tournament on Friday, November 21, for Worcester’s junior schools.

The competition winners from each region compete in a grand final at Villa Park for the honour of representing Villa in the Community FA Premier League Tournament.

Up to four community soccer programmes a year will take place at RGS The Grange and coaching will also be provided to the RGSAO teams, as well as other local schools.

“A link-up of this calibre is a fantastic opportunity for RGS Worcester and The Alice Ottley School and truly puts our three schools on the map as a beacon of sporting excellence,” said headteacher Andy Rattue.

RGS The Grange headteacher Tim Lowe said: “To have them based locally at RGS The Grange takes the school to a totally new level and means we can now strengthen our links with our community.”

Aston Villa’s football development officer Joe Hunt said: “We feel RGS The Grange can match our demands and together we can offer a fantastic football experience to both girls and boys across the whole Worcester area.

“It is an exciting opportunity for us, as I hope it is for Worcester. We look forward to coming to the area and visiting as many schools as possible.”