THERE will be free entry for fans as Redditch United celebrate the start of the summer holidays with a friendly derby on Friday (7.45pm).

The Reds host Studley in pre-season at the Valley Stadium with a variety of activities and offers for all the family to enjoy.

There is a three-metre inflatable dartboard for potential Luke Littlers to test themselves on with a United season ticket the reward for the highest adult and child score.

A crafts corner in the 1891 Lounge, an ice cream van and a slushie machine are also among the highlights alongside the chance to win prizes in a raffle.

The Reds' last pre-season friendly on Saturday ended 2-2 at lower-ranked Malvern Town.

Summer signing Jordan Cranston and a trialist scored the goals in the first away friendly of 2024-25 for Redditch who discover their Southern League Premier Division Central fixtures for the season on Friday.

The visitors edged in front early on when Cranston fired a free-kick into the top corner.

Malvern drew level on 19 minutes through Jack Watts and Redditch went on to rattle the woodwork and test the home keeper.

But Town took the lead in first-half injury-time before another trialist netted, this time for United, to level on the hour mark.

The Reds head to Evesham United next Tuesday (7.45pm).

Redditch have appointed Lee Atkins as the new community programme manager in the Community CIC.

Atkins will enhance the club’s outreach by fostering connections with local schools, increasing community engagement and leading the Redditch School Holiday Club at the Valley Stadium.

He will also provide support to United’s growing junior and community football programmes and coach within the football and education programme.

Atkins said: “I am thrilled to join Redditch United and work towards strengthening our community bonds through various programmes and initiatives.”

Meanwhile, neighbours Alvechurch visit Worcester Raiders for their third pre-season friendly on Tuesday night (7.45pm) after a 3-0 home loss to professional League Two outfit Walsall at Lye Meadow last weekend.

Boss Jimmy Fry was pleased with Church's valiant performance in defeat with defender Harry Williams among the scorers against his former club.

Krystian Pearce, Connor Stanley, Tyrone Barnett, Dan Sweeney and keeper Charlie Woods were among the summer signings to start against Walsall.

Charlie Lakin and Jamie Jellis were also on target for the Black Country visitors.

Church host National League outfit FC Halifax Town on Saturday (3pm).