The Under 12s trip to Ireland last week may turn out to be the first of many, according to Notts County's Centre of Excellence Director Mick Leonard.

Leonard took the Under 12s over to Ireland last week as part of their link-up with Irish side Lifford AFC, which was announced in March.

The youngsters flew out last Wednesday and took in daily training sessions during the trip as well as friendly matches against Lifford and a Limerick Desmond League select side before flying home on Saturday morning.

And the trip was so successful that Leonard is keeping his fingers crossed a further visit can be arranged for one of County's other Centre of Excellence teams in July.

He said: "The four days we had over there were excellent and I'm pretty sure all the players enjoyed themselves.

"The relationship we've formed with Lifford is an exciting one and it was great to see everything falling into place while we were over there.

"Initially we had a nightmare flying out because the flight was delayed five hours, but other than that everything ran smoothly.

"I would personally like to thank Lifford Chairman John O'Neill for the way we were looked after.

"He kindly arranged a boat trip for the lads to visit the Cliffs of Moher and also the opportunity to learn to surf at the Lahinch Surf School which was established by Former Irish Surfing Champion John McCarthy.

"That just shows how strong our relationship is at this very early stage and I hope we can go over again in July if we can arrange something."

The Centres will wrap up their season on Friday 1 May when their End of Season Awards Night takes place.