Under-21 squad will relish new challenge, says Adams

David Adams insists the Under-21 squad are looking forward to the challenge of Category One football next season.

The Barclays Under-21 Premier League fixtures for 2015-16 were announced on Wednesday, with the Swans kicking off their campaign with a home game against West Bromwich Albion at Landore on Monday, August 10 (6.30pm).

The Under-21s, who were crowned Development League Two champions last season, will take on on Arsenal, West Brom, Aston Villa, West Ham, Stoke and Newcastle from the top flight, together with Category One clubs Brighton, Derby, Wolves, Fulham and Blackburn. 

Academy Head of Coaching, David Adams, believes the step up in opposition will only be of benefit to the players.

"Naturally, they are challenging fixtures," he said. "But I think the style of football we play will suit category one competition a lot more than the games we were involved in last season.

"It will be an adjustment for the players but its one where they will relish the opportunity to compete against some big clubs and good players.

"We also have six Under-18 players as first-year professionals this season which means we will have a young squad at our disposal.

"It's a step up for them early on in their development but the boys are looking forward to it and I'm confident they will do well.

"We have a trip to Holland coming up which will be beneficial and our pre-season programme as a whole is geared up ready for our opening league fixture against West Brom."

The Under-21s kick-off their pre-season programme against Merthyr Town at Penydarren Park on Saturday (3pm) before hosting Wrexham at Landore on Wednesday, July 15 (3pm).

Meanwhile, the Under-18s - who will also play Category One fixtures this season - face Dagenham and Redbridge at Landore on Tuesday (July 14) with kick-off at 4.30pm.