A THRIVING future for Bury FC's Youth & Centre of Excellence looks a realistic aim thanks to a new link-up with the club's successful 100 Club.

The policy of developing a new generation of home-grown first team stars is being backed by the membership scheme now that it has achieved its initial goal of paying off the outstanding CVA debts.

Fans continuing with their support for the club via the successful donation scheme will now see their funding directed towards the Youth & Centre of Excellence department.

The additional funding will arrive at a key time, as all Football League youth systems are to experience a reduction in Sport England funding.

Six home-grown youngsters have broken into the first team set-up this season, highlighting the importance of the club's own production line, and first team manager Chris Casper knows all about the importance of a successful youth system.

He said: "We are aware that there is a reduction in our Sport England funding and to continue to produce quality players we need to invest in this area .

"Our young players are the lifeblood of the club and we must continue to bring talented individuals through.

"We are asking our loyal supporters to help us achieve our aims."

Ross Johnson, director with responsibility for youth and Centre of Excellence, is delighted with the support the department is to receive, and says it's a testament to years of hard work.

He claimed: "I'm really pleased that the people at the club are behind us and it's a reflection of the hard work that Chris Casper and his coaching team have put in over the last couple of years."

Support for the new venture is gathering momentum, with some fans demonstrating their faith to the club's plans having already paid their subscriptions for the entire year ahead.

Commercial manager Peter Young has hailed the achievements of the 100 Club and explained that there are large potential rewards for those that support the venture.

He revealed: "We started off last year looking to pay off the club's CVA debt, and the 100 Club has been a huge success because one year on we've managed to achieve that.

"Our hope is to ensure we can attract 100 members which can be individuals, groups or companies all donating £10 a week, and all members will be entered into a twice yearly draw in which they can win a car.

"We're very grateful to the support of Horners of Bury, who donated a Skoda Fabia to our cause last year and just last month, supporter John Thorne won a Ford Ka courtesy of Dixon Ford at Bury Bridge."

For details on how to join the 100 Club, please contact the Commercial Department on 0161-705 2144.

2005 Miles