Wanderers have entered into a “strategic partnership” with the Lisburn Castlereagh Junior League.

The partnership aims to build a successful network in Northern Ireland with a view to attracting promising young players in the long-term.

Discussions have taken place since last summer and the Whites will now stage grassroots training camps and host coaching education programmes for the League’s clubs.

Chief executive Neil Hart told the club’s website: “This is an exciting partnership that will hopefully flourish over the coming months and help to build a long and successful network in Northern Ireland. 

“Lisburn Castlereagh Junior League has a proud history of delivering excellence and I am confident that we can support it further.

“We have been in discussions since last summer and I’m delighted we now have formal partnership in place.

“There are a number of initiatives that we plan to roll out which will not only widen our global footprint but will create an opportunity for the League’s players to experience similar programmes to those delivered here at the University of Bolton Stadium.”

Chris Budd, the League’s Chair, reckons the partnership will have a positive impact and hopes to see one of their players eventually represent Wanderers.

He added: “Everyone involved in the Lisburn Castlereagh Junior League is extremely delighted to agree this partnership with such a prestigious English football club that is very much on the up.

"This has been a relationship building process that started last summer with Bolton Wanderers and has come to fruition with this formal announcement.

“This initiative will give the opportunity for young local players to have a direct pathway to Bolton Wanderers through the local Bolton Development Centre and we look forward to visiting Bolton very soon.

“It will give all the clubs and youth players within the league the chance to avail of this partnership.

“This relationship will also give all the coaches connected with our clubs the chance to develop their skills which they will take back to their clubs, teams and most importantly their players.

"We hope that the clubs and players in our league can see the real benefits from this partnership and have a player in the future feature for Bolton Wanderers.”