Latics' under-14 Centre of Excellence team made a whirwind start against Burnley establishing a 4-0 lead after 25 minutes.
Harry Fairhurst (2), Brad Kay and a penalty from a trialist made up their goal tally.
Latics failed to push on and eventually had to settle with a 4-1 victory.
Coach Chris Rowney described it as a good, positive start to the season but there is still a lot of room for improvement.
THE under-11's were punished for a poor performance in one quarter as they lost 6-2 to Burnley.
They were 1-0 ahead at the end of the first quarter, but by half time found themselves 4-1 down.
Latics' goals were scored by Jayden Mitchell and Jayden O'Donnell.
A TRIALIST was on target for the under-12's who lost 3-1 at Burnley where both sides also hit the woodwork.
Goalkeeper Ciaran McCarthy had an excellent game for Latics while Matt Lasky and Harry Quick also played well.
THE under-13's lost 3-1 to Burnley in what was described as a fantastic game to watch between two well-matched teams.
Latics created chances which, on another day, might have gone in, but coach Gary Lewis said it provided a positive and encouraging start to the season.
ELLIS McDonald scored a consolation goal for Latics under-9's who were beaten 10-1 by Burnley.
Coach Tom Conroy said his youngsters, who were playing four-versus-four games, made a nervous start in their first game.
He added they eventually began to settle down and show promising signs for the remainder of the season.