Kierran Kinsella wants to add competition for places in the AFC Liverpool Under-18s squad ahead of next month’s opening FA Youth Cup encounter with Clitheroe at the Marine Travel Arena.

The squad is run and trained by 7 Elite Academy staff as part of the Player Pathway partnership that also includes regular training and educational exchange opportunities in the United States.

The Merseyside youngsters, who beat the likes of Wrexham on the way to a best-ever finish in last season’s competition, will host Clitheroe on the week beginning August 14th.

And with trials taking place every week for new players to sign up, Under-18s Manager Kierran is keen to see this year’s squad emulate that remarkable run last season.

He said: “We start with a clean sheet of paper against Clitheroe next month, but I am confident that with our squad being a year older, we can can make a much bigger impression on the FA Youth Cup.

“This group has progressed so much over the last year, both in the league and in the County Cup, where we reached the final. Experience will be key in these early rounds.

“But I want to continue bringing in new players and add more competition for places. That is why we’re holding trials every week to identify new talent that we can integrate into our squad.

“Clitheroe are a strong side that finished fourth in Division One of the North-West Youth Alliance last season, so it is going to be a tough start to the competition for us.”

Trials take place every Tuesday at 7 Elite Academy’s Litherland Sports Park headquarters from 7.30pm to 9pm, with positions available in the Junior Premier League and Liverpool County Premier League squads.

Places who sign up will also become part of the 7 Elite Academy Player Pathway, where they will benefit from regular exchange trips to the United States and trials with professional clubs.

Chris Stirrup, Chairman of AFC Liverpool, said: “Our partnership with 7 Elite Academy is helping so many youngsters achieve their ambitions in football and education, which is great to see.

“The FA Youth Cup is a key part of that programme, which sees us play in the world’s most famous youth football competition against some great clubs, both regionally and nationally.

“I am looking forward to watching our youngsters take on Clitheroe in what will prove to be a tough start to this year’s FA Youth Cup. Hopefully, we can have another great night at the Marine Travel Arena.”

For more information on Under-18s trials, contact Kierran Kinsella on 07478928582 or at [email protected].