Next generation in action tonight

NPLFA students representing Belper Town, Kidsgrove Athletic, Leek Town, Matlock Town, Mickleover Sports, Mossley and Warrington Town are all in an 18-man 'Inter League' squad preparing for a 7pm kick-off at the home of the EVO-STIK NPL First Division North's Lilywhites.

The NPLFA announced in April that its top stars were set to represent the EVO-STIK NPL in a series of exhibition games against Accrington Stanley, Oldham Athletic and Port Vale.

Fresh from their 2-0 victory over Oldham at Radcliffe Borough's Stainton Park in their inaugural game on Wednesday 4 May, ten students return from that win along with a further eight called up for the first time.

An NPLFA spokesman said: "The game is open to the public with free admission and everyone is encouraged to come down to Mossley and see the exciting talent that is in the NPL Football Academy test themselves against professional opposition."

Launched in 2014 at five pilot clubs with the backing of the Football Association to provide career pathways into the football industry, the NPLFA's 16 to 18-year-old students study on two year courses for BTEC in Sport Level 2/3 qualifications while being trained on a daily basis by UEFA qualified coaches and competing in the NPL Youth League and national competitions like the FA Youth Cup.

Last summer the NPLFA also entered into a strategic partnership with Global Premier Soccer, the world’s leading provider of sports scholarships, which could see the EVO-STIK NPL's students playing and coaching in the United States while linking up with German giants Bayern Munich, their official North American partners.

After winning the inaugural NPL Youth League, Mickleover Sports successfully defended their title to be crowned 2015-16 NPLFA champions last month, pictured.

Coaches and tutors are currently getting ready to run the rule over the next generation of stars hoping to follow in the footsteps of the champions by winning a place in their third intake starting in September at league-wide trials over the Whitsun half-term school holidays.

To confirm attendance and register, players should enter their details at: nplfa.co.uk/register

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague | The NPL Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/