Kevan Broadhurst

Success has been in the air at Blues this season with promotion to the Premier League and now for Birmingham City's Community Department.

Blues' Football Development and Education Programme are in the final of the Football Conference Youth League Cup against Ebbsfleet United Youth on Friday 8 May at Walsall's Bescott Stadium (kick-off 1pm).

The ground-breaking Football Development and Education Programme for school leavers, supported by the Premier League, is a unique full-time course that is designed to nurture local footballers who may have drifted out of the game or failed to land an Academy scholarship and give them access to recognised educational qualifications.

Managed by former Blues captain Kevan Broadhurst, Blues are enjoying a triumphant season having already tasted success by winning the English Colleges Football Association 5-a-side tournament in December and becoming Midlands Conference League Champions last month.

The scheme, which has been in operation since 2002, is going from strength to strength with many young players progressing to a higher standard of education and football.

"The team have done fantastically well this season and are a credit to Birmingham City Football Club," said Broadhurst.

"They thoroughly deserve their success and let's hope we add another trophy to the cabinet against Ebbsfleet United.

"The programme is unique to Blues and I think the players benefit enormously from the opportunity the course provides them."