The senior professionals aren't far away now from the kick-off of a new season but neither is one of the biggest trophies for the stars of the game tomorrow.
The hugely successful NextGen series is about to begin its second season and after its superb start last campaign has seen a rise in clubs competing in 2012/13, from 16 to 24.
Defending champions Inter Milan are back, along with over major European heavyweights such as Barcelona, Juventus and Liverpool.
New clubs
This season six new clubs have joined the competition, including London sides Chelsea and Arsenal, CSKA Moscow and Borussia Dortmund.
Tournament co-founder Justin Andrews is looking forward to the new season.
He said: "With such an incredible first season under our belts and nine more international clubs competing in NextGen this year, we are all working hard to ensure a cracking tournament and we are eagerly waiting to see some great football and which young stars will emerge as the ones to watch.
"This year will be a significant time for youth development in the UK and we are very proud to be playing a part in it."
UEFA sanctioned series
The UEFA sanctioned series begins with a clash between Barcelona and Anderlecht on August 15 at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium.
Matches will be played in a number of world class stadiums, including the Nou Camp, Villa Park and the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
The 24 teams have been divided into six groups of four teams, with group games taking place until Christmas.
The final stages of the tournament will be played at the beginning of 2013, with the final taking place next March.
For more information on the fixtures, squads and the tournament in general, visit the website: http://www.nextgenseries.com/en
NextGen Series 2012/13 Group Stages
Group One: Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, Olympiakos, VFL Wolfsburg
Group Two: Manchester City, Juventus, PSG, Fenerbahce
Group Three: Chelsea, Ajax, CSKA Moscow, Molde FK
Group Four: Arsenal, Athletic Bilbao, Marseille, Anderlecht
Group Five: Inter Milan, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Rosenborg
Group Six: Sporting Lisbon, Celtic, Aston Villa, PSV Eindhoven
By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
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