7 Elite Academy’s Player Pathway partners, AFC Liverpool Under-18s, will continue their FA Youth Cup run with a trip to Atherton LR on Tuesday, September 17th (7.15pm).

The First Qualifying Round tie is AFC Liverpool’s reward for a 2-1 win over Clitheroe at the Marine Travel Arena last week, which followed a nail-biting victory against Cheadle in August. 

They make the trip to Greater Manchester with hopes of emulating their Under-18 predecessors, who beat Wrexham in 2022 to reach the Final Qualifying stage.

Atherton LR will, however, have similar ambitions after beating highly-rated FC United of Manchester 4-3 in the Second Preliminary Round just a few days ago.

AFC Liverpool Under-18s Head Coach, Sam D’Auvin, believes his young side has the resilience to make a lasting impact on this year’s FA Youth Cup.

He said: “The football I saw from the lads against Clitheroe and Cheadle was very pleasing to watch, especially when you consider they only came together as a squad during the summer.

“That resilience and refusal to back down in the second half of both games has set the standard for the rest of the season, especially for the trip to Atherton LR.

“We know Atherton will be another level entirely, but that is the nature of FA Youth Cup football. There are no easy games and of course it will get harder every time.

“On saying that, we have a squad that can make a real difference at key moments, especially when we’re defending late in the game. The lads are very keen to continue this run as long as possible.”

Under the Player Pathway, AFC Liverpool’s Under-18 and Under-21 sides are run by staff from 7 Elite Academy, alongside regular opportunities to train and study in the United States, and attend trials with professional clubs.

Anthony Godfrey, 7 Elite Academy Director, said: “Sam and his coaching team have done a fantastic job with this squad and it bodes well for the rest of the season, both in the FA Youth Cup and Junior Premier League.

“From both FA Youth Cup games, there has been a clear streak of determination running through the squad. The lads have a great chance to go deep into this competition.

“They are showing the kind of attitude that we look for in players when they’re progressing through our Player Pathway. This is an opportunity to not only impress myself, but also our coaches in the United States. 

“We have teams playing in college recruitment events throughout the year in America, and this year’s Under-18s are putting themselves in the spotlight with this run in the FA Youth Cup.”