Western NSW FC's juniors' UK tour set to boost players skills

A squad of western footballers, which includes three players from Orange, will travel to the United Kingdom on Friday for a two-week intensive tour.

They'll visit both Manchester clubs, watch an English Premier League clash as well as several FA Cup games - much to the excitement of Orange-based Western NSW FC centre back Jayden Slater.

"I missed out on it three years ago as we didn't get it booked in time and when I found out about it happening this year we booked it straight away," he said.

It's going to be good, it'll be great experience to be training with professional teams over there and playing on their pitches."

Slater's been playing with Western - formerly known as the Mariners - since 2016 and we'll he'll sit out in 2020 due to an upcoming HSC year.

"It'll really help me pick up a couple new things ... I want to improve one-on-one defending with a player running at me, when to step in and when to go back is lacking a bit in my game at the moment," he said.

"We'll get coached by some high quality coaches which will improve my game going into seasons which are coming up."

The squad will play five games and have five training sessions, as well has having the chance to watch top-flight clubs like Tottenham train and spending a night at Bolton Wanderers' academy.

However, what he's most excited for is a chance to visit the club he supports in Manchester United, as well as popping across town to Manchester City.

"The social side will be really good ... they're a good group of lads and we've got a bit of spare time. No doubt we'll get up to no good," Slater said smiling.

"A lot of the tourist stuff will be really good."

Each of the players on the trip has donned a Western shirt, either as part of National Premier League campaigns or representing at junior state titles, which will massively bolster Western's junior stocks.

"We'll come back as better players and really improve our games," Slater said.

His fellow Orange players in Joe Kocanda and Karl Moes were both excited for the trip, with Moes - who moved to Kiama at the end of last year but has spent years playing for Western - especially keen.

"I'm basically looking forward to playing in a completely new en environment and see and learn how they play over there first hand so I can bring that back here and improve my game," he said.

"Also, hanging out on the other side of the world with teammates I've played with for such a long time and have become really good friends is a once in a lifetime opportunity ... I'm just really excited to have fun and learn with the boys."

The tour leaves on Friday.