Neil Kilkenny and Marcos Painter

Birmingham City's Academy programme came about in its present form in 1998.

Amongst the recent graduates are Andrew Johnson who now plays for Everton, West Brom's Darren Carter, Tony Capaldi (Cardiff City), Peter Gilbert (Sheffield Wednesday), Craig Fagan (Derby County), Marcos Painter (Swansea City), as well as current first teamers Neil Kilkenny, Mat Sadler and Colin Doyle.

The Academy aims to develop imaginative, creative and skilful players who will hopefully be good enough to be a part of the first team. 

In return players who are selected for the Academy are asked to show commitment, self-discipline and a good work ethic.

The Academy has two categories for registered boys and they are:

Eight age groups from Under 9 to Under 16 inclusive. They have to be registered with the Football League if the club signs them on either a one or two year agreement. These players are part time and train twice a week in the evenings and school holidays.

The next stage to which boys aspire to is the two year modern apprenticeship for which boys sign at 16 years of age. This is full time and includes one and half days per week of academic studies.

The Academy Manager is Terry Westley and his staff are Kristjaan Speakman (assistant Academy Manager) Steve Spooner (Academy Coach), Mark Meredith-peers (Administrator), Ian Rodgerson (Academy Physio), Tony Shiels (Kit & Equipment Manager), Richard Beale (Football Education Officer), Will Royall (Fitness/Conditioning Coach) plus a number of part time coaches and other employees.

The Academy can be contacted on 0121 244 1407 or e-mailed on mark.meredith@bcfc-tg.com