I need some advice for a mate of mine in the Midlands.

By the grace of the football gods, their youngun has a place in Birminghams youth system.

The problem is, the parent is of the single variety and lives in Derby, hence travel costs are a nightmare.

Do any of you guys have any knowledge of funding in such circumstances or have any ideas as to how to drum up help?

I'd get him a trial with Derby

Not sure to be honest. You could hope the local paper gets word of the kid and his talent, plays on the financial issues to travel Derby-Brum and try to drum up funds that way by saying something like this lad is hot talent for the future but the cost of travel and single parenting means he could have to lose out on his dream.

It's always nice to see kids doing something they enjoy & getting picked up by a league club.