Blackpool XI friendlies the start of closer integration between youth and first team

A Blackpool XI will play the first of a number of friendlies on Tuesday night as the development squad begins preparation for their return to reserve league action.

The Seasiders have signed up to join the Central league for this upcoming season which will allow for a reserve side to play a number of matches against the likes of Preston North End and Bolton Wanderers. Under Neil Critchley, Blackpool opted for bounce games to keep development players fit, however a return to a set league structure will allow for more consistent opportunities to bridge the gap between the youth and first team.

As part of the U19 setup, Blackpool have tended to loan out players to the likes of Bamber Bridge and FC United of Manchester should they have outgrown the North West youth alliance league. Now, the reserve pathway will enable more young players to test themselves in a men's football environment as well as allowing for returning injured players to gain match sharpness ahead of a return to the first team.

The squad taking on AFC Blackpool will comprise of a mixture of development and youth team players with former striker Matty Blinkhorn taking charge following John Murphy's departure as youth team coach. Last season the youth side impressed in FA Youth cup action, reaching the quarter finals of the competition where they narrowly lost out to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

It has been a consistent theme, even under previous ownership, that the personnel working in the academy structure have brought together groups of players who have punched above their weight when it comes to Blackpool's category three academy status. With the building of a new training ground and a real significance placed on improving the youth academy to category two