Thackley's Academy players are preparing for the biggest test of their careers when they take on Port Vale in the FA Youth Cup at Ainsbury Avenue on Wednesday.

To reach the first round proper is a great achievement for the Thackley youngsters, who entered the prestigious national competition for the first time this season.

They have won through three qualifying rounds for the right to play Football League opponents.

Youth coach Graham Clifford said: "We're looking forward to the match. It will show how far we have come as a team."

The club joined the Northern Youth Alliance for under-19s at the start of last season and finished half way up the table, while winning the cup after beating Worksop Town in the final.

Eccleshill United, Guiseley, Farsley Celtic and Ossett Town are other local clubs who are part of the Alliance, now split into regional sections.

Clifford said: "On the basis of a successful first season we decided to enter the FA Youth Cup and we beat Nantwich Town 3-1 at home in the first round, Chadderton 2-0 at home in the second round and Lancaster City 3-1 at home after extra time in the third round.

"Now, we have been given a plum home draw against Port Vale."

The main point of the academy is to enable Thackley to develop their own young players and save money in the transfer market. It is a policy that is already paying dividends.

Nineteen-year-old midfield player David Cunningham is a regular in the first team and, according to Clifford, is one of the team's most consistent members.

He said: "Six lads from the academy team are playing in the first or second teams and three of them, David Cunningham, James Riley and Aaron Brian, are in today's first team squad for the FA Vase tie against Woodley Sports.

"There is also Danny Lawlor, who made his first-team debut last week, but is injured at the moment. Paul Baker, son of Roy Baker, the former Bradford City striker, is in the second team."

The Thackley youngsters are also earning representative recognition. Four of them have played for the West Riding youth team this season and five have been invited for trials with the Bradford and district under-17s side.

The club are also forging links with schools, notably Hanson School, through Derek Needham and Dixons CTC.

Clifford said: "The great thing about us is that we provide the chance for young players to play senior football.

"We also have a strong coaching staff throughout the club with first team management of Andy Taylor and Warren Fletcher, second team of Gary Stokes and John Boyle with Mick Wood as our head coach."

The Port Vale game starts at 7.30pm.