The Isle of Man FA’s under-18s men’s side begin their preparations for mid-October’s FA County Youth Cup opener with Shropshire this weekend.

Lewis Qualtrough’s youngsters reached the quarter-finals of the compeitition last season before losing in extra-time to eventual winners Norfolk.

The teens begin their prep for autumn’s first round tie with two home friendlies this week against the under-19s sides of Welsh clubs Rhyl and Bangor.

The former provide the opposition at the Bowl on Friday evening, with Bangor coming to Douglas on Monday night.

With Qualtrough away on honeymoon, coaches Paul Bridson and Steve Burns will lead the two match-day squads of 18.

The two games mark the start of a busy few weeks for the teens with a four-game tour of the north of England taking place over the late August Bank Holiday weekend.

Qualtrough plans to take a bumper squad of 26 away for the games in Wigan, Oldham and the Lake District as he hones his plans ahead of October 14’s game away in Shropshire.

Friday’s game kicks off at 7.30pm with Monday’s match slightly later at 8.15pm.

Isle of Man FA u18 squad v Rhyl: Nathan Teare, Dylan Pickles, Callum Holden, Charlie Gibson, Carlo Craig, Sam Baines, Sid Batty, Ryan Kinrade, Daniel Lane, Jonny Quirk, Morgan Naylor, Harry Horbuy, Harry Walters, Joel Ibanez, Luke Strickett-Morling, Callum Sherry, Jacob Crook, Jack Camarda.

FA squad v Bangor: Nathan Teare, Dylan Pickles, Carlo Craig, Dan Smith, Jacob Crook, Jack Camarda, Sam Baines, Ryan Kinrade, Tom Chatel, Jonny Quirk, Daniel Lane, Adam Kinvig, Luke Strickett-Morling, Taylor Andrews, Lewis Bridson, Dylan Wood, Luca Simmons, Jay Skelcher- Maxwell.

peel and mills agms

l Peel AFC’s annual general meeting will be held on Thursday, August 9 from 7pm in the clubroom at Douglas Road.

l Union Mills FC’s annual general meeting is on Thursday, August 16 at the clubhouse, Garey Mooar, Strang, 8pm.

For more information contact Lisa Bradshaw (438803) or Stephen Carter (464881). All members welcome.