TWO of Worcester’s major youth clubs are merging to create a new entity — Worcester Olympic.

Warndon Villages and Worcester City Youth Development, who have a combined 17 years of developing talent of the future, will join forces for the 2011/12 campaign.

In the new structure, Villages will continue to develop youth football at all ages but their elite Saturday teams are to merge with City Youth Development.

City will run Saturday football for boys from under 12s upwards in the Midland Junior Premier League under the new name of Worcester Olympic.

Going forward, the new club will be underpinned by Villages, both in developing youngsters via mini-soccer and running parallel teams on a Sunday at all of the same age groups.

Brian Nyatanga, Olympic chairman, said: “This is a perfect match in terms of our philosophy for youth football.

“This merger is supported by parents, coaches, managers and the Worcestershire FA, who have given us the green light to push ahead for Charter Standard Development Club status.”

Villages chairman Andy White said: “When we met Worcester City Youth Development officials, we realised the close similarity in approaches and values as well as the complementary fit of the elite teams. Creating something better than the two parts seemed an obvious move.

“Warndon Villages will probably field 25 teams next year, excluding the planned elite ones.”

Formed in 2001, Villages run more than 20 boys’ and girls’ teams from ages four to 18 and were the first club in the city to reach FA Charter Standard Community Club status.

For the past seven years, City Youth Development have operated under the badge of Worcester City and have just achieved charter standard.

Last season, they fielded six teams in the Midland Junior Premier League with some players signed by professional club academies, including Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Brom.

With a new youth structure in place at St George’s Lane, officials at City Youth Development needed a new identity and change of direction.

Trial dates for the new under 12s, 13s and 14s sides are planned for Saturday, May 14, and 21 at Little Perdiswell, Droitwich Road, Worcester.

All other age groups will be holding their trials at Bilford Road, Worcester.

The under 15s hold open training sessions on Monday nights from 6.30pm until 8pm and under 16s trial dates are Saturday, June 11, 18 and 25 from 10.30am until 12.30pm.

For more details, call Kay Walters on 07789-221803 or Pat Elliott on 01905-756541.