7 Elite Academy’s Player Pathway partners AFC Liverpool Under-18s will play Macclesfield in the FA Youth Cup on Thursday, September 7th (7.30pm).

A trip to face The Silkmen at Moss Rose is AFC Liverpool’s reward for a 4-1 drubbing of Clitheroe in the opening round earlier this month.

They will be looking to emulate last year’s FA Youth Cup run, when they beat the likes of Wrexham on the way to a place in the Final Qualifying Round.

But after a series of five home games in the competition, the Reds youngsters will be relishing the challenge facing them in Cheshire.

Anthony Godfrey, 7 Elite Academy Director, said: “This competition is all about the lads playing on a big stage and making a name for themselves.

“Moss Rose is a great stadium with good facilities, but we won’t let the occasion overtake what is still a 90-minute game of football.

“It will be a step up from the Clitheroe game and we’ve got to expect that. Macclesfield are a good side, but we’ll have our own preparations.

“This team showed great maturity in the last game to build a lead after going a man down. That is what I’ll be looking for in the next round.”

AFC Liverpool Under-18s is run by 7 Elite Academy as part of a Player Pathway that includes training and educational exchange opportunities.

Youngsters travel to the USA several times a year to play in the biggest college showcase tournaments and youth football events across the country.

The game against Clitheroe was live streamed to college scouts across the United States, leading to numerous enquiries about scholarship offers.

Anthony added: “Our Player Pathway prepares youngsters for a career in professional football and this will offer invaluable experience of playing in a big stadium.

“These players have seen a number of colleagues sign for professional clubs over the summer and they’ll be in the spotlight once again in Macclesfield.

“The FA Youth Cup is a great opportunity for this group to put themselves on the radar of scouts, both in the UK and at colleges in the United States.”

Chris Stirrup, Chairman of AFC Liverpool, added: “I am really looking forward to seeing the lads make a step up against Macclesfield.

“It’s been great to play five straight home games in the FA Youth Cup, but it’s always good to play at some different venues.

“Everyone showed great spirit in the second half against Clitheroe in the last round and I fully expect that to continue at Moss Rose.”

Admission will be £2 for adults and £1 concessions.