The pre-season schedule for the Burton Albion under 18s has been announced.
The young Brewers will contest eight friendlies during July, with the team facing off against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and even the Qatar under 19s side in preparation for the new season.
The under 18s kick-off their pre-season campaign this weekend against Forest before then taking on Crewe Alexandra on July 11th. The Brewers then play host to Liverpool Football Club in Steven Gerrard’s first game in charge of the Reds on the 14th of July at St George’s Park.
They play Reading a day later before taking on the Qatar under 19s at St George’s Park on the 18th of July. The Brewers will finish off the month with friendlies against Gresley FC, Charlton Athletic and Chesterfield.
Professional Development Phase Lead Coach Sam Rose feels that it is important to always test the players with quality opposition.
He said: “We have got to always test our players’ mindset either playing against grassroots teams, non-league teams and at the other end, playing against the best teams. We try to give them a real variety of opponents to see where they are at mentally, physically, technically and tactically. We are really pleased with the pre-season programme. We are playing against successful and established Academy teams and we are really looking forward to seeing how the group perform.”
The under 18s will then travel to Holland where they will play three games in 12 days, as well as training sessions, educational and cultural activities.
Under 18s pre-season fixtures:
Saturday 8th July: Nottingham Forest (A)
Tuesday 11th July: Crewe Alexandra (A)
Friday 14th July: Liverpool (H)
Saturday 15th July: Reading (A)
Tuesday 18th July: Qatar under 19s (H)
Thursday 20th July: Gresley FC (A)
Wednesday 26th July: Charlton Athletic (A)
Saturday 29th July: Chesterfield (A)