ENTERING the unknown will present Swindon Town’s first and second-year scholars with their first major challenge of the 2019-20 season this weekend, as Bristol Rovers visit Stanley Park in the academy’s Youth Alliance League South West opener.

David Farrell’s Town U18s side scrapped until the final day of last season’s Youth Alliance campaign to earn a place in Merit League One – where they finished runners-up to Southend United after losing on the final day of the season to Oxford United.

Players to graduate from Town’s academy last season include Luke Haines, Ralph Graham, Jacob Bancroft and Archie Matthews.

And there are a number of recognisable faces in Town’s U18s squad this year that will hoping to replicate the quartet’s efforts.

That includes academy first-team regulars from last season Harry Parsons and Max Whitfield – who are both experiencing their first year in full-time training.

Rovers’ visit to Wiltshire this weekend will place Town’s academy into the unknown, with little information available on what team Farrell should expect.

He added: “It’s a guessing game, but you have to make sure you do a lot of planning and allow the players to know their responsibilities regardless of what position they play.

“It’s a lot more about us than them at this stage of the season.

“It’s always difficult in the first few games, they have a new bunch of players like ourselves - and you don’t really know what to expect.

“They were very strong last year and liked to get the ball down on the floor – you wouldn’t expect that to change.

“We’re entering the unknown until a few rounds of games are played. You don’t get that chance to watch video analysis of other teams much.”

Players, in the company of their parents, were formally introduced to the club at the start of the month during an induction evening where season contents and club rules were outlined.

Following this weekend’s visit of Rovers, Town will travel to Newport County a week later before hosting Oxford United on August 17 and Yeovil Town on August 24.

And Farrell insists his youngsters are match ready.

“They’ve generally applied themselves well, and you expect that,” said Farrell.

“There’s lots of enthusiasm, everyone wants to get in the first XI.

“The lads that are coming through are new to full-time training, and it’s a big challenge for them to step up and train every day of the week.

“They’re all looking forward to it, and I’m sure they’ll give it their all.

“They’re all 90-minute ready now – our squad isn’t as big as the first team, and we have had a couple of injuries.

“But once we get going, they will only be stronger as each day passes.”