Ricky is excited by the prospect of Premiership youth teams visiting south east Essex, telling the official site: "It's the first time we have organised a competition like this so to get the likes of Arsenal, Fulham and Everton to commit was fantastic. Hopefully we can get a big crowd over the two days as it is a chance for the fans to not only look at our own players but also some great players at Arsenal who are the best in the Championship at producing players. Some of those involved could be playing in the Carling Cup this season."
As for defending the Youth Alliance trophy, which the club won for the first time Ricky continued: "It was a fantastic season last year and it has now set the bench mark for the new players to reach this year. My aim is to get more players through to the first team this season but I am realistic and I realise that the manager has to also go out and get more experience players also."
The Semi-Final Draw (played on July 25)
Southend v Arsenal
Everton v Fulham
For all the ticket details go here:
www.southendunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10444~1685188,00.html