THE highly anticipated Bolton, Bury and District Under-21s league is edging closer after one of the signed up teams had a training session with ex-Wanderers legend Kevin Davies.

Earlier this year, Your Sport reported how Preston striker Davies was throwing his weight behind the initiative to encourage young players to stay in the game and make the transition to adult football.

More than 15 local sides have signed up to play in the 2015/16 season.

One of those clubs is Mossbank Junior Football Club and Gary Russell was delighted when Davies decided to take the first two and a half hour session.

He said: " This is a very proud day for everyone connected with Mossbank football club and the league in general.

"We have been working on forming an under-21s for some time now, and tonight brings the project to life.

"To see 20 young men committing to Mossbank and working so hard with Kevin, is a defining moment in the clubs and leagues history.

"The league have 15 teams signed up in readiness for the 2015/16 season and I the lads, Andy Kearney our U21 manager, Paul Crook, and Stephen McGee the Coaches, can't wait for the season to start.

"I've been dealing with Andy, and Stuart McNair our newly appointed Under 21's Secretary for a good few months now, and their enthusiasm for this new league is incredible.

"Volunteers wanting to make a difference at grassroots level by developing young men and preparing them for adult football. I can't praise them enough.

"Working closely with Kevin and Warren Barlow, our League Chairman on forming this new U21's league just goes to show hard work delivers results. It’s a pleasure working with them.

"This U21 team will become an integral part of our club, which next season will see Mossbank creating opportunity to close on 400 children through 30 teams

"There is so much enthusiasm within the club and the atmosphere at Thursdays training was incredible. Kevin's approach was exactly what I envisaged. Positive, professional, fun and a 100% focus on the job in hand. I'm just glad I was only timekeeping!!!! It was a tough session.