First-team boss Steve Cooper hopes tonight's FA Youth Cup semi-final can give Nottingham Forest fans a glimpse of the future.
Warren Joyce's Under-18s host Chelsea in a tasty last-four tie at the City Ground (7pm kick-off). And it is hoped a sizeable crowd will be in attendance on the banks of the Trent.
Cooper takes a keen interest in the academy and retains a strong affection for youth football. Following his time working at Liverpool’s academy and managing England at Under-16 and Under-17 level, he knows the different experiences which can be vital in the early stages of a player’s career.
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This tie, he says, can be one such landmark occasion for the young Reds. And he hopes it will serve them well as they look to progress to the first-team further down the line.
"It's brilliant that the lads are in the latter stages of what is a really prestigious tournament in our country,” Cooper said. “I've been a part of it myself, and it does mean a lot when you're that age and at that stage of your career - and for the coaches and staff who work within the academies as well.
"That's good, but maybe the bigger picture is that these lads are in their development and you're always trying to give them experiences which can get them ready for the next step, which is into first-team football. One thing the guys don't get is the opportunity to play in front of crowds. If - and hopefully we'll see it in the future - those boys get through and play for our team, they have to play in front of big crowds.
"It's my hope that a lot of people come to watch them. It's an exciting fixture anyway. I know the academy at Chelsea really well from my time with England.
"Not only will it be a great game, it will be a brilliant experience for our boys in terms of what might come in the future after youth development. The thought of a good turnout, Mull of Kintyre being played before the game and it having the feel of a Nottingham Forest first-team home game will be really, really important.
"Any people who are thinking about coming, it would be great if they can and really get behind the lads. Not only do we want that support to help win the game, but we're also going to give them a great experience for, hopefully, when they play in the first-team a little bit further down the line. It's really good for their development that we do our best to get a crowd in.”
