United’s under-18 side will have a busy July with a series of friendlies organised as part of the build-up to the new campaign.
Second place in the Youth Alliance North West Division was the least they deserved last time round, and they’ll be looking for another good season, with the fixtures set to be released soon.
Home friendlies will be played at Creighton, with all friendly fixture details subject to change.
“We’ve got some good games coming up but, as with the first team, it’s more about getting the lads into the routine, getting match fit and used to playing together again,” youth boss Mark Birch said.
“For the first-year players it can be a bit of a culture shock, because it’s all very serious for them now. They’ll train more than they ever have done before, and then there’s the education and day-to-day stuff that comes with the scholarship as well.
“And the second-year players know it’s a big year for them, so we expect to see them really step up and make a mark.
“Pre-season is the start of the cycle for all of them, and I think everybody is looking forward to getting back to it.”
Fixtures updated on 6 June (Rangers added).
| Tue 5 July | A | Queen of the South | 7.30pm |
| Fri 8 July | A | Rangers | 12pm |
| Fri 15 July | A | Middlesbrough | 12pm |
| Thu 21 July | A | Liverpool | tbc |
| Sat 23 July | H | Hartlepool United | 1pm |
| Sat 30 July | tbc |