Saints youth sides given tough pre-season fixture schedule with local clashes

SAINTS under-21s and under-18s have had their pre-season schedules confirmed ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The youngsters will face a mix of tests against local non-league clubs, as well as encountering EFL opponents and fellow youth sides.

Saints under-21s will kick off their pre-season with a trip to AFC Totton, before facing strong squads from Swindon Town and Gillingham behind closed doors.

Their lead up to the Premier League 2 campaign will also include games against National League South side Chippenham Town and AFC Bournemouth's under-21s.

Meanwhile, a Saints XI will make the short trip to Sholing on Friday, July 19 as they unveil the new Pangea Stand at the Mortgage Decisions Community Stadium.

The unveiling will be part of an exciting evening for the Southern League Premier South side, with Levi Colwill and Matt Le Tissier set to cut the ribbon on their new stand, before an opening test for Saints' youngsters.

The under-18s will also face Hastings United, AFC Bournemouth U18s and AFC Wimbledon U18s.

Further information on extra pre-season fixtures will be added in due course. The full schedules are as follows:

Under-21s

Saturday, July 13 - AFC Totton vs Saints U21s (3pm)

Friday, July 19 - Saints U21s vs Swindon Town (1pm) - Behind closed doors.

Tuesday, July 30 - Saints U21s vs Gillingham (1pm) - Behind closed doors.

Saturday, August 3 - Chippenham Town vs Saints U21s (3pm)

Tuesday, August 6 - Saints U21s vs AFC Bournemouth U21s (12pm)

Under-18s

Friday, July 19 - Sholing vs Saints XI (7:45pm)

Saturday, August 3 - Hastings United vs Saints U18s (3pm)

Wednesday, August 7 - Saints U18s vs AFC Bournemouth U18s (11am) - Behind closed doors.

Wednesday, August 14 - Saints U18s vs AFC Wimbledon U18s (11am) - Behind closed doors.