Welling are aiming to unearth the next Steve Finnan after announcing ambitious plans for a new football academy.

The Wings, in partnership with Bexley College, are setting up a football academy programme from September which will include a college-based national qualification alongside football training for boys aged 16 to 18.

The reintroduction of a formal youth set-up at Park View Road will no doubt bring back memories of Steve Finnan's progression from Welling YTS to European Cup winner with Liverpool.

Welling assistant manager Jimmy Dack, who will be one of the football coaches, said: "It would be great if one day that another Steve Finnan could come down the production line at Welling.

"The beauty of our academy in a football sense is that myself and coach Keith Lovett both work with the first team so there is a direct route through for the players.

"It's not just a case of setting up an academy, we've got a clear path that we want to go through and we've got plenty of experience to pass on to the young players.

"We want to bring players through and ultimately get them into the Football League. We did it with a first-team player this season and we want to help more lads progress in the future."

Eductional courses will run alongside the 12 to 15 weekly hours of football provision.

Dack added: "As we're a Conference club we can offer Wednesday afternoon football to a high standard against fellow Conference teams."

Interested youngsters can contact the club for more details on 0208 301 1196 or take part in a trial day at Park View Road. Trial days are being held on May 2, May 10, July 4 and July 11 from 9.30am to 1pm.