Shrimps' youngsters go on a Spanish expedition

Morecambes young players have gone to Spain for a pre-season learning trip.

More than 100 under-18 players from the Shrimps, Bolton Wanderers, Bury, Millwall, MK Dons and Norwich City begin their trip abroad on Sunday.

Three matches have been arranged against Spanish opposition on the schedule before their return on August 10.

The initiative is fully subsidised by the Erasmus+ fund and aims to promote development and the exchange of skills and ideas between coaches and players in both countries.

Morecambe are travelling to Real Betis, Malaga will be the hosts for Bolton, with Bury in close proximity at Marbella.

Elsewhere, Norwich are staying with Sevilla while Millwall and MK Dons are both based in Madrid, with Leganes and Rayo Majadahonda welcoming the two teams.

In order to experience Spanish life, players will take part in a range of cultural activities, which are designed to broaden personal and professional horizons.

These include language lessons, tours at the Spanish Football museum and the Bernabeu, trips into the city centres and guest speaker sessions.

The clubs will also take part in several training sessions led by the European coaches, plus compete in challenging fixtures against La Liga giants like Atletico Madrid, Leganés, Malaga, Real Betis, Real Madrid and Sevilla.

LFE project manager Dan Jolley said: “This initiative meets the cultural and sporting aims aligned to Erasmus+ and at the same time allows over one-hundred players in the English academy system the opportunity to sample life, training and work in another European nation.

“Many of them will experience playing against continental opposition for the first time.

“Learning about different styles of play, coaching and tactics can only help them become better players.”