REDDITCH United manager Darren Byfield will be putting some of the stars of the future through their paces this week when the club’s new football academy holds a taster session on Wednesday.

And he is urging anyone interested in studying at the club full-time to get along and find out more details about the course.

Around 40 youngsters are expected to be part of the new academy set-up in September with the classrooms being installed at the Valley Stadium as part of the massive £900,000 makeover that also includes improvements around the club and the installation of a 3G pitch.

“These really are exciting times for the club and particularly for the youngsters who will have a chance to learn full-time at Redditch United,” Byfield said.

“Quite a few have already been accepted on to the course so anyone interested in finding out just what the academy is all about should come along at 7pm on Wednesday for the taster session. I’ll be down there doing some coaching and our partners at Bournville College will be there answering questions.

“It’s a great opportunity to be part of the Redditch United set-up.”

Byfield’s first team squad will be back in training on Saturday as they prepare for their pre-season fixtures – starting with a trip to AFC Bridgnorth on Saturday, July 9.

And he has agreed a deal with attacking midfielder Reece Hewitt who will be making the step up from Midland Football League Division One side Bromsgrove Sporting.

The 25-year-old has been with the Victoria Ground club for two years having previously played for Studley and Highgate United.

Hewitt said: “I like to get the ball and to run at people. I can’t wait to get down to Redditch and show the manager and supporters just what I can do.

“It’s a massive step up to this level but I’ve been working hard and I know that I’m good enough.

“It’s an exciting time at Redditch especially with Darren signing players like Clinton Morrison. As a young player you can learn off people like that.

“Working with Darren will also be good for me, he’s someone who can tell me what I need to bring into my game. I know It’s going to be hard work but I’m ready for that.”

Hewitt explained that he had turned down a move to the Valley Stadium last season.

“At the time, both Redditch and Bromsgrove were going for the title. But I’d been with Smudger [Sporting manager Paul Smith] for four years and I didn’t feel it was the right time to leave. It wouldn’t have been fair on him.

“But I came down to see Redditch play Leamington in the play-offs and I thought Redditch were unlucky not to win.”