THE scouts are flocking to Accrington Stanley to run the rule over Stanley’s new kids on the block.

Stanley’s burgeoning youth policy means the League Two club are fielding several youth teams, from aged 9 to a successful under-18 squad.

And with first team midfielder Connor Mahoney having emerged through the youth ranks, Stanley's youth programme continues to produce some impressive results.

Stanley's Academy Foundation coach Duncan Fearnhead said: “We’ve got some real junior talent at Stanley and we've made a lot progress over the last couple of years.

“Already two of our scholars have been given squad numbers with the first team and Connor is involved in the first X1.

“The hope is that one day these lads will be stars in the first team, and I can't praise their efforts enough for the way all of them go about their work.

“These lads have the work ethic, grit and determination that is synonmous with the Accrington Stanley name and we are really proud of what they are achieving.”

Scouts from several league clubs watched Stanley Under-11 take on Burnley (U-11) last weekend and Fearnhead added: “Youth is the future lifeblood of any club and our positive, attacking play has led to the developments of links with other clubs and invitations to play Manchester City, Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers."

Accrington's Foundation Phase youngsters, aged 9-11, play a series of four, five and seven a side games, focusing on their technical development.

“It is all about developing creative players and doing things the right way from an early age.

“It is increasingly difficult competing against the bigger clubs and their extra resources, but we are more than competing with them.”