December 2011

Academy Players Help Spread Christmas Cheer

Players from the Kidderminster Harriers Football Academy, in partnership with Stourbridge College, joined club’s first-team in a day of visits to local hospitals in the area in the build-up to Christmas.

A number of the students joined Academy Manager, Jerry Gill and first-team players and management on trips to Worcester Royal Hospital and Russell’s Hall Hospital, Dudley.

The party met with patients suffering from illness and injury – many of whom will unfortunately spend the festive period in hospital, and handed out gifts, signed memorabilia and posed for photographs.

They were joined by the Harriers team mascot, Harry the Harrier on their trip around the wards, putting smiles on faces.

The Academy, launched this past summer, has seen apprentices combine their football with studies in the classroom.

Both on and off the field it has been a remarkable first six months for the venture; including a run to the Second Round proper of the FA Youth Cup where 250 supporters watched the team face Football League side Carlisle at the Aggborough Stadium.

Gill admitted that the hospital visits were the perfect accompaniment to the teenagers’ studies as they seek to build a career within the sport.

Having enjoyed an illustrious spell within the professional game himself, Jerry commented that the day enabled his students to fully appreciate the opportunities presented to them with their apprenticeship.

“The players are working both with their studies and on the football field to equip themselves with the tools necessary to one day potentially become professional players.

“I am very grateful for what I was able to achieve and learn during my career but, in any line of work, it is always important to keep your feet on the ground and remember that you are very fortunate.

“The players who visited the hospitals with the rest of the team were able to get an even bigger appreciation of that – seeing the party really brightened up some of the children and there aren’t many bigger privileges than that.”

As the students embark on another important learning curve, Stourbridge College Principal, Lynette Cutting, continues to be delighted at the blossoming of the Academy.

She added: “The partnership between Stourbridge College and Kidderminster Harriers Football Club has been designed to ensure that community engagement is a big part of what we do.

“Both our Hospitality and Football Academies have been set up to provide opportunities for young people in the region and it’s especially nice to see the young academy players playing a part in the Harriers annual hospital visits.

“It’s wonderful that we’re able to spread a bit of cheer at this time of year.”

 

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