This Saturday our U18s take on Accrington Stanley in the Youth Alliance League at Parkside Road Stadium (11am kick-off).
Speaking ahead of this weekend's encounter, Lead PDP Coach Ollie Ras said: “The lads have been great this week, it’s been really positive.
“We managed to review and reflect on Saturday's game [against Carlisle United] and we’re now looking forward to another big test this weekend.
“The lads are motivated, eager to bounce back and ready to put in a positive performance.”
When asked what the main focus has been within training this week, Ollie said: “We just look to improve on [most] things every day, individually and collectively, and hope that it comes together on a weekend.
“Ultimately, it’s about developing individuals each week and seeing where that takes them.”
The young Shrimps have been hit with a number of injury blows in recent months, across all areas of the pitch.
“[Joe] Lynchey is working hard to get back to full fitness, the same as Callum [Cooney].
“Both of them have spent a number of weeks on the sidelines but they’re doing everything they can to get back playing as quickly as possible", said Ollie.
In recent months, Oscar Wright, Corey Goodyear and Billy Whaite have made the step up and featured within the U18s’ matchday squad.
When asked if this is likely to occur again this weekend, he added: “We always look to include younger players in [our] matchday squads and it’s something we will look to do again, as it’s great for the individuals.
“This should [also] support them as they transition into [being] scholars.”
On Tuesday, four scholars started in the Lancashire Senior Cup alongside first team players, whilst the bench featured four more scholars and youngster Cameron Rooney.
Speaking on what was a brilliant experience for some of his players, Ollie said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for the players involved to play against some senior professionals, who have a number of [EFL] league games to their name.
“They have taken a lot from the experience and hopefully it shows them the levels they need to get to further down the line.”
It’s been an impressive week for U18 forward Saul Fox-Akande, who travelled with the first team to Swansea City in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup last Saturday, before finding the back of the net against Barrow in the Senior Cup on Tuesday.
“It was nice for Saul to experience some first team action, being involved in the squad at Swansea and also being on the scoresheet on Tuesday”, said Ollie.
“He’s worked extremely hard and because of that he got his reward.
“It’s always great to see some of our lads make the step up and be involved within a first team squad.
“George Pedley has also picked up a lot of experience being within the same environment for a few months, following the injury to Stuart Moore."
Supporters can attend Saturday’s Youth Alliance League encounter against Accrington Stanley for FREE at the following venue: Parkside Road Stadium, Park Side Road, Kendal, LA9 7BL.