LATCHFORD Albion will be represented at junior level in the forthcoming campaign.

The club, based at Victoria Park Stadium, have met the requirements of the North West Counties League committee following an overhaul of their youth section.

The first age group to be accepted is a new under nines team which will come under the guidance of Lee Smith.

Further announcements are to be made in due course with regards to additional age groups.

Albion chiefs say the move is a next step from the appointment last month of Warrington Wolves’ England prop forward, and former Latchford Albion junior, Mike Cooper as the club’s director of rugby.

Their primary focus will be on development at youth level.

This, they say, is to ensure a continuation of recent progress and – following an overwhelming response in which more than 100 people expressed an interest – to lay a secure foundation and pathway for players of all ages.

Any players, coaches or volunteers who are looking for a new challenge, or a return to the game, can make contact via Albion’s official Twitter or Facebook pages.

Chairman Mike Byron said: “The club are committed to assisting any interested individuals in every way possible, and we can offer access to a fantastic support network with regular guidance from current Super League players, who will be on hand to pass on their knowledge.

“With the close links we have developed with Warrington Wolves, it is hoped the club will continue a fine tradition of supplying players to the professional ranks.

“We’re proud to have two current England internationals [Cooper and Kallum Watkins] who started as juniors with Latchford.”

Joe Mellor (Widnes Vikings), Dec Patton (Wolves), Joe Philbin (Wolves), Andre Savelio (Wolves) and Harvey Livett (Wolves) all spent time developing their careers at Victoria Park with Albion.

Meanwhile, Albion will host their annual player registration day at the Victoria Park Stadium this Saturday.

The club would also like to invite any current or prospective players – of any age or ability – coaches, parents or anybody wanting to see the new facilities.

The Latchford committee and coaching staff, including director of rugby Mike Cooper, and hopefully a couple of other Warrington players, will be in attendance to meet and outline their visions for the future.

The club will be open between midday and 2pm with refreshments available.