By pnefans.co.uk
March 23 2005

A club like Preston is always reliant on producing home grown talent, so its good to hear that Preston North End U-16's are doing well in a tournament currently being held in America.

Preston's under 16 side have won their opening two group games in the Dallas Cup, virtually guarenteeing a place for them in the quarter finals of the prestigious tournament.

They beat Texas Longhorns Orange 2-1 thanks to goals from midfielders Lewis Wilkes and Liam Maloney and they followed this up with a 1-0 victory over Bethesda United. The goal in that game was scored by striker Jason Smith who will be hoping to continue his goalscoring form in Preston's final group game against So Cal United.

The Dallas Cup annually brings more than 145 youth soccer teams from across the country and around the globe to compete in the weeklong soccer tournament every Easter week at venues all over Dallas. The finals will be played at the Lake Highlands stadium and past participants have included youngsters such as David Beckham, Raul, Kleberson, Michael Owen and Claudio Reyna.

It is the first time that Preston North End has flown across the Atlantic to play in the week-long competition and they will be looking to emulate the acheivements of clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal who have won in Dallas.

Head of Youth Simon Davey has taken the side to play in what is described as one of the most competitive soccer tournaments in North America and he will be pleased with the way that his youngsters have performed. If they progress into the quarter finals they will play their next game on Good Friday.

Source: The Offical site