BLACKBURN Rovers' Academy starlets stepped up their preparations ahead of the big kick-off this weekend by celebrating a win double on their whistle-stop tour of America.

Rovers were invited on an all-expenses-paid trip to Miami by the owners of the newly-formed Career Sports Soccer Academy.

And their whirlwind adventure turned out to be a superb experience for everyone in the 22-man party as Rovers chalked up a couple of impressive victories in soaring temperatures on the Florida coast.

They opened up with a crushing 9-1 win over Boston Bulldogs on Friday night with Clark Walsh leading the way, grabbing four goals as a second half substitute.

Paul Gallagher (2), Andrew Reid, Peter Corvino and Tony Cane were also on target.

Then 24 hours later, they beat the Career Sports Academy 5-1 after a powerful second half performance in which Gallagher (2), Ian Black, Gavin Peers and Germany trialist Sergio Peter all found the net.

"Basically, we were invited over by a couple of millionaires who are living a dream over there by setting up their own Academy," explained Rovers' Academy chief Bobby Downes.

"They wanted to see how far they have come so they invited us over for a couple of games and the whole trip was a great experience.

"It's not often you get the chance to take a group of young lads half way around the world all expenses paid.

"It's great for their development that they've experienced all the travelling and playing in different temperatures."

The touring party, made up of mainly Under 17 players, faced a gruelling schedule.

They left the Academy at 2.30am last Wednesday morning and returned to England at Monday lunchtime, having played two games in as many days.

However, after all that jet-setting, it's back to reality for the Rovers youngsters this weekend when they will kick-off the new Academy season with two home fixtures against Leicester City at Brockhall (kick-off 12 noon).

"We've had a decent pre-season in terms of results and preparations so we are really looking forward to the new season," added Downes.