Youth team manager Tony Philliskirk was delighted with how his side performed in a mini-tournament against fellow Lancashire sides, Manchester United, Burnley and Rochdale.
The youngsters won two of their three games, losing to hosts Manchester United but Philliskirk believes his players performed admirably in their three games.He said: "I was delighted with the application of the players because all three sides were difficult opposition. We played a more experienced side in the first game and won but I played a lot of the first years against Manchester United to give them good experience but we unfortunately lost the game.
"United went on to win the competition as they won all three games but take nothing away from our lads, they held their own and I was really pleased with the boys."
Philliskirk will take his players to Holland in ten days as they face a host of European sides, continuing their development and the manager admits it will be tough for his players.
"I want to test them to their extreme. There is no point beating lesser teams because that's not going to aid their development. I want to be playing the best teams in order to get the best out of my players."