Northampton Town academy manager Ian Sampson is hoping a big crowd will be at Sixfields on Saturday to see the youth team take on Charlton Athletic in the third round of the FA Youth Cup (1.30pm kick off.)
Over 700 supporters were at Sixfields to see the second round win over Stockport County recently, and Sampson hopes that attendance will be beaten this weekend, as he says learning to play in front of crowds is an important part of the learning experience for the players.
"Playing in big games and in front of a crowd is a valuable experience for the players," he said.
"The usual league games the boys play in are away from the spotlight but for those players who want to have a career in professional football, an important part of that is playing in front of crowds where the spotlight is on and the different dynamic that brings to the game.
"We found a way to win in the second round tie and that was another valuable experience for the boys and it will be another tough game against Charlton Athletic this weekend.
"They are a category two academy which in itself shows how tough the game will be, but as supporters will have seen at both first team and under 18 level in recent weeks, we have some good young players at the club and with no first team game this weekend, it is an ideal chance for the youth team to take centre stage.
"Thank you to everyone who is thinking of coming along, we expect this to be a good cup tie and any support you can offer the boys will be gratefully received."
Tickets for the game are available either in advance via ntfcdirect.co.uk or on arrival, priced at £3 adults and seniors and £1 for juniors. Card ticket sales will be from the ticket office, with cash sales on arrival from the cabin opposite the ticket office.