FC Porto are the visitors to Molineux as James Collins’ youngsters open their 2022/23 Premier League International Cup campaign against the Portuguese giants on the rearranged date of Saturday 19th November, 1pm kick-off.
The tie provides supporters with the ideal opportunity to witness the club’s best young talents go head-to-head with fellow European youth footballers in a competitive environment under the lights.
The old gold will also play host to Valencia, Wolfsburg and Celtic as part of the group stage, with the top two teams in each group and the two best third-placed teams progressing to the knockout stages.
Season ticket holders and members can gain free entry into the Porto tie but must claim their ticket in advance. For non-season ticket holders, tickets cost £4 for adults, £2 for over-65s and under-21s, while under-17s go free.
Supporters who had already purchased tickets and decided to roll them over to the rearranged game will have them valid for the new date.
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The under-21s have made a steady return to PL2 this season, and have also shone in the Papa John’s Trophy by reaching the knockout stages with a game to spare.
Captain Joe Hodge was the most recent academy star to make his first team debut, as the midfielder came on a half-time in last Saturday’s Premier League clash at Chelsea.
The International Cup offers a special set of games that only 12 clubs from England and 12 clubs from across Europe get a taste of.
Jon Hunter-Barrett, academy manager for football, said: “I always think it’s a unique opportunity to play against European opposition as it gives our lads an extended chance to develop.
“We had an excellent cup run last season, playing at Molineux and the Hawthorns under the lights. Those games have a different feel to them, and it gives the players the opportunity to rise to the occasion.
“James (Collins) is really good at giving players opportunities to play against different opposition. Particularly with the volume of games we have coming up, it gives everyone a fair shot at showcasing their talent.
“This kind of fixture is only going to benefit the players because ultimately, we want to normalise playing against European opposition and that pressure of being an elite player.
“We would love as many people there as possible at Molineux to support the boys and drive them on. Hopefully the game will provide a memorable experience for players and supporters, which will encourage those in the stands to come back for future academy fixtures.”
Wolves under-21s’ 2022/23 Premier League International Cup group stage fixtures:
- Wolves vs Porto | Saturday 19th November, 1pm
- Wolves vs Valencia | Wednesday 7th December, 7pm
- Wolves vs Wolfsburg | Wednesday 14th December, 7pm
- Wolves vs Celtic | Wednesday 18th January, 7pm
