Notts County's Youth Team will take in as many as seven pre-season fixtures this summer.

The U18s are back after a three-year absence, and it is fair to say their return has provided a real buzz around Meadow Lane.

As part of their pre-season schedule, the youngsters will also be visiting a training camp in the South-West of England in the middle of this month.

Michael Johnson's side will face Ollerton Town on 10 July, Oakhampton on 12 July, Tiverton Town on 14 July, West Bromwich Albion on 18 July, Long Eaton United on 21 July, Nottingham Forest on 25 July and Birmingham City on 1 August.

Youth Team boss Johnson has been busy putting the pre-season plans into place for the kids, and he believes the trip away will be a huge benefit for the players.

He said: "It is important they get some time away to learn a little more about each other.

"They know each other from last year anyway, but they're together a lot more now.

"Team spirit is important and the trip also breaks up their pre-season rather than spend seven weeks in Nottingham."

Johnson has also admitted he is talking to two Football League clubs about arranging further pre-season games, and that the proposed fixture at Hucknall Town on 29 July has been postponed.

Reflecting on their first few days of pre-season training after the kids reported in on Monday, Johnson added: "Everything has gone perfectly. They've mixed in with the pros and it's really nice to see."