Starlets ready to go Dutch

SHELDAN KEAY

ACADEMY players at Accrington Stanley will head out to the Netherlands on Monday as part of a pre-season trip organised by League Football Education.

They’ll be joined by youngsters from fellow clubs Blackburn Rovers, Ipswich Town, Blackpool and Shrewsbury Town.

By the time the trip concludes on August 13, around 100 youth players from English clubs will have furthered their preparations for the new season by pitting their skills and wits against their peers from top Dutch clubs.

The initiative – which is fully subsidised by the Erasmus+ fund to promote development and the exchange of ideas between coaches and players in both countries – will see Accrington travel to NAC Breda.

As part of their Dutch experience, which has been designed to broaden personal and professional horizons via a range of cultural activities, including a trip to Amsterdam, the clubs will face the likes of Eredivisie giants, PSV Eindhoven and FC Twente.

Dan Jolley, Projects Manager at LFE, said: “Many of them will experience playing against continental opposition for the first time.

“Learning about different styles of play, coaching and tactics can only help them become better players.”

Accrington will take on Ado Den Haag on August 6, FC Twente on August 9 and PSV Eindhoven on August 13.