WHILE today's heroes continue to do their bit to keep Wanderers in the Premiership, the wannabe stars of tomorrow are to feature in a prestigious international tournament in the United States.

An 18-strong squad of under 12s from the Reebok academy fly out to Texas next month to measure their development against some of the world's best youngsters in the invitation-only Dallas Cup.

Meeting the likes of Manchester United will be nothing new to the Bolton youngsters, who have already proved more than a match for all the top teams on the domestic scene.

But, between April 16 and 22, they will be pitting their wits and talents against the best of Brazil and Argentina as well as their enthusiastic hosts.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience in many ways but it's the way forward for us in terms of building team spirit and helping the boys get a taste of being away from their families," said academy director Chris Sulley.

"It gives them the opportunity to play against different quality players. Teams come from all over the world and it's a quite demanding tournament with five or six games of half an hour each way, if you get to the final."

Wanderers have high hopes for their U12s, coached by former Burnden Park favourites Mick Bennett and Steve Thompson who will accompany assistant academy director Peter Almond on the Dallas trip.

"We're very pleased with their progress," Sulley said. "We have a very good group at that age with a lot of potential and this tournament will help their development."