Blues fans can get a glimpse into the future when Chester FC Youth take on Skelmersdale United at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium on Sunday (2.30pm).

Academy graduates Sam Hughes and Tom Peers are now part of the first-team squad, and youth boss Calum McIntyre reckons some of the current crop could follow a similar path.

"We’ve got a really talented squad this time around, especially given how many of these lads have played in the youth side at 15 and 16-years-old," said McIntyre.

"That sort of experience is massive and has allowed us to work with a group of players for an extended period of time. It’s all about getting players through to the first=team and there’s some real prospects in this group who could well follow in Sam Hughes and Tom Peers’ footsteps.

"We obviously want to compete as a team also and the spirit and togetherness amongst the group means that we have a real chance this season."

The Blues kicked off the new North West Youth Alliance Premier Division campaign with a 1-1 draw at AFC Fylde with Matt Waters netting from the spot.

McIntyre is confident his team can get their first win on the board against Skem this weekend.

"Obviously it’s our opening home fixture of the season and we’re hoping to mark it with three points," he said.

"We began our campaign last week and really deserved more from the game. The Fylde goalkeeper has had the game of his life and has made three or four saves that were extraordinary. We were a bit wasteful but to have created that many chances means it’s difficult to be too critical.

"Nothing really went for us in the 90 minutes and we might’ve felt a bit hard done by but we were pleased with how we started. We showed great character to equalise and that’s typical of this group of players.

"Sunday offers up a great experience for our lads. It’s vital our players are familiar with playing at our first=team ground and see it as home.

"Obviously we play our FA Youth Cup ties on there but we have looked at getting more games on there over the course of the season. As well as this, it gives us an opportunity to hopefully raise some funds for the academy which we really rely on.

"The crowds we get whenever our Youth team are at the stadium sums the whole football club up. We get over 300 people in for FA Youth Cup qualifying matches. The support is hugely appreciated and hopefully Sunday will be no different."

Last season the Blues finished as runners-up in the league and with another FA Youth Cup campaign to look forward to, McIntyre is buzzing with excitement about what this campaign will bring.

He said: "The league looks a lot, lot stronger than last season and in my opinion last year’s division was a lot weaker than it has been in recent seasons. It’s good to be back playing in a strong division as this will no doubt get the best out of our lads.

"Last season we must’ve had the youngest side in the league and we pushed a much older side right to the final day.

"The FA Youth Cup will be here before we know it and we’re playing in a really challenging league. With the set of lads we have and their attitude and desire, the season has huge potential. It’s impossible to not be excited."

Admission to Sunday's game is free but supporters are asked to consider making a donation or purchasing a programme to support the academy.

There will be a raffle taking place with a range of Chester FC related prizes to be won including a signed shirt and tickets to a Vanarama National League game.