A Team from Brentford’s Category Two Football Academy will be heading to The Netherlands next month for a prestigious friendly.
The Bees have organised an Under-17 friendly against a team from Alkmaar Zaanstreek, better known as AZ Alkmaar.
The Brentford side will be largely made up of the players that won the Junior tournament at the prestigious Milk Cup youth tournament in Northern Ireland last year.
AZ have a reputation as one of the best clubs for developing young talent in The Netherlands and Aston Villa central defender Ron Vlaar is probably the best known product of that youth system.
Brentford will fly out to Amsterdam on Monday October 28 and then travel north to Alkmaar.
They will play an Under-17 side the following day, Tuesday October 29, before flying back to London.
The Brentford Lifeline Society has agreed to cover the majority of the costs of the trip to enable it to take place.
Ose Aibangee, Brentford FC Academy Director, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our young players.
“Everyone involved with the Academy is extremely excited about the challenge of taking on one of the best teams in Holland.
“AZ Alkmaar will be a big test for our boys.
“This team has proved their ability in the Milk Cup and now they can do it on a different stage.
“I want to say a massive thank you to the Brentford Lifeline Society.
“Peter Gilham, Chairman of the Lifeline Society, works closely with the Academy in his role as Player Liaison Manager.
“When this opportunity came up and he offered Lifeline funding it made a possibility a reality.
“I am sure our players will represent the Club in the fine way they have done so far in their careers.
“It will be great for them to have the chance to play in Europe and travel as a team.
“It will help their development, we will learn about them and they will learn about each other.
“I am really looking forward to it.”
Peter Gilham, Lifeline Chairman, said: “The Brentford Lifeline Society are extremely proud of the part its members have played in sponsoring the Football Club in numerous projects over the past 27 years and the on-going initiative of supporting the future talent of the Club is one which is particularly close to our hearts.”
Full coverage of the trip to Alkmaar will be on www.brentfordfc.co.uk and Bees Player.