A FOOTBALL coaching academy which has helped to transform the lives of wayward youngsters in Birmingham could be forced to close amid public spending cuts.

Thousands of boys and girls from tough inner-city neighbourhoods have passed through the school, run by former Blues cup final hero John Gayle, since it opened ten years ago.

But the Birmingham City Council community chest fund that supports it has been reduced, meaning the academy will be forced to close if cash from voluntary and charitable groups cannot be sourced.

A trained mentor, Gayle has offered one-to-one advice to youngsters, in addition to the training sessions, to help them stay positive and out of trouble.

The former striker, who scored twice when Blues lifted the Leyland DAF Trophy at Wembley in 1991, said: “It would be a massive blow to the community and the people we’ve seen grow if the academy closed.

“The academy has added a new dimension to a lot of people’s lives, helping them become more independent and taking responsibility.

“It’s helped with weight loss, well being, confidence and self-esteem.

“It would also be a huge blow to parents and local residents who will see many more kids on the streets if it closes.”