Notts County’s under-8s got a taster of life in the youth set-up, when they visited Everton.
The club took two teams to take on the Toffees at their Finch Farm training facility, where they fared well in the games.
This indicated that the level of talent set to filter into the Academy system is of a high standard.
The Academy begins at under-9s and continues through to the youth team (under-18s).
Friendly fixtures such as this allow the youth coaches to see which players have what it takes to progress into the Academy next season.
“The boys did very, very well, there’s excellent facilities and they treated us very well,” said foundation coach Lee Broster.
“The results were favourable for us, which was very, very good, and there were one or two decent players that we’re going to bring in next year.
“Lads come to train with us but they’re also training with Forest and Derby, so we have to compete with them.
“It’s up to us to convince them that it’s a better pathway for them and the parents, as a big influence on where the boys go.
“Having days like that, going up to Everton, with the training facilities, it’s good for us.
“It shows we’re a good club and look after our players, and hopefully it goes a long way to showing why players want to come here.”
Following the matches, the under-8s and parents were able to watch Everton’s encounter with Aston Villa for free.