BOLTON Wanderers are assessing boys as young as FIVE as they attempt to set up a production line to deliver the stars of the future.

Despite the highly-acclaimed Academy system only kicking in at Under 9s level, Reebok talent spotters are trying to catch them even younger ... with a little help from two friendly local clubs.

Eagley Rangers and Ladybridge, who are prominent members of the Bolton and Bury Mini-Soccer League, are providing bases for coaching sessions for the under sixes which Wanderers hope will become nurseries for budding young footballers.

"We are looking for five-year-olds who can run with the ball rather than run after it," explains Peter Almond, assistant director of the Wanderers' Academy.

"Then we will teach them the ball skills."

Wanderers are proud that their work on the Academy is bearing fruit with Kevin Nolan having come through the ranks to hit the Premiership heights and the England U-20s and Michael Gillan and Chris Howarth currently in the Under 16s.

But they are determined to compete with the best and that means having youngsters ready for competitive action when they join the U-9s.

Thirteen local teams recently competed in a tournament for under sevens run by the Academy in conjunction with the Bolton and Bury Mini-Soccer League - an association Wanderers hope will prove beneficial to all sides.

"We are looking to help with the development of the game for the younger age groups throughout the Borough," Almond confirmed. "We want to be associated with the local leagues and the local clubs and we want local boys to want to play for the football club.

"By working together with the junior leagues and their clubs both sides can benefit. The extra coaching the boys receive should raise both individual and team standards while helping the football club identify and nurture prospective Academy boys.

"Over the years there has seemed to be an 'us and them' situation which has no need to exist. Both the leagues and their clubs on one hand and the football club on the other want to see junior football prosper and progress.

"Bolton Wanderers are proud of the fact that local boys from the Bolton and Bury Mini-Soccer League now play for their Academy teams from under nines level, competing against the best boys of their age group in the country.

"With closer co-operation by all parties concerned we are hopeful of identifying future talent to follow in the footsteps of Kevin Nolan, Michael Gillan and Chris Howarth."

Eagley Rangers' sessions for under sixes are run at Sharples Sports Centre on Mondays (5.30 to 6.30). Their contact is Quinton Beech on 07752 811050 or 01204 430281 or www.eagleyrangers.co.uk.

Ladybridge will have a county standard mini-soccer centre in Lostock operational in September next year but are currently running sessions at Deane School Sports Centre on Mondays (6.30 to 7.30) and their contact is Steve Hill on www.ladybridge.net