Nigel Clarke's side contest their first game in the Northants Senior Youth Football League when hosting Eynesbury Rovers under the Leading Drove lights (7.45pm).

Yaxley have moved into the county league - which also features Stamford's youth side - to help the development of their young players.

They will play their home games on Thursday nights and boss Clarke is excited by the prospect of a campaign which will also include an appearance in the FA Youth Cup.

He said: "The main objective is to push the lads on into the first team. The focus is very much on youth at Yaxley and we all want to see local lads progress with the club.

"And this league is a great shop window for lads. First team managers of UCL clubs are always watching games and there are usually plenty of scouts around.

"It also gives the boys a taste of 'proper' football in that there is a bit more travelling involved and games are played under lights.

"Another big advantage compared to the football we were playing in the Peterborough Youth League is that we have three qualified officials on every game - it was hard enough just to get a referee last season."

Yaxley's big FA Cup date is scheduled for Thursday, September 11 when they will host Kempston Rovers in the preliminary round.

n The Peterborough Referees' Association in conjunction with local FAs will have an information stand about refereeing at Serpentine Green Shopping Centre tomorrow and Saturday. Anybody aged 14 and over interested in taking up the whistle can ask questions and sign up for courses.

Tomorrow there will be a chance to win tickets for the England Under 17 international against Israel at London Road on the same night (7pm).

For details about future referee courses contact Robert Windle on 01733 204445 or 07970 228790.

The next Peterborough Referees' Meeting will take place at Bushfield Sports Centre on Tuesday with a 7.30pm start, new and regular members are welcome.