Gary McSheffrey at the Selly Oak Trust School

A group of young footballers received an inspirational visit from Blues winger Gary McSheffrey this week as part of the Premier League's 'Creating Chances' initiative.

McSheffrey went to Selly Oak Trust School on Tuesday 29 April to meet members of the South Birmingham Soccer School, who play in the West Midlands Ability Counts Disability League.

The South Birmingham Soccer School, which is made up of players aged 16-plus, was formed two years ago and has received extensive backing from Birmingham City Football Club.

Not only do they play in kits donated by the club, but the footie-mad lads have also held a summer festival at the club's Wast Hills training ground and have received regular coaching from the Blues' Football in the Community team.

This backing has really served to inspire South Birmingham Soccer School, who have recorded wins over local rivals Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City in recent times.

Now, having completed another successful league season, the side are looking forward to playing summer friendlies at Wast Hills.

Team manager Martyn Collis said: "Ever since the South Birmingham Soccer School was formed we have received tremendous backing from Birmingham City Football Club.

"The team really enjoyed to meeting Gary McSheffrey and his visit can only serve to inspire them."

McSheffrey met the team and took part in a Q & A session before signing autographs. He was also presented with a special South Birmingham Soccer School jacket by members of the side.

The Premier League's 'Creating Chances' has seen hundreds of top flight stars from clubs across the country visit worthwhile community initiatives, charities, schools and voluntary organisations over the course of the 2007-08 season.