A PREP school football side got the chance to sample life as a Premier League star at one of the country’s finest facilities.

The Rydal Penrhos U9 squad travelled to the home of Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City for a special football festival organised by the Independent Association of Prep Schools.

It took place at the Citizens’ incredible Academy complex, which cost £200 million to construct and also boasts a 7,000-capacity stadium, education facilities and medical and sports science services.

The 80-acre site was funded by City’s owners and built in partnership with Manchester City Council following the takeover of the club by Sheikh Mansour in 2008.

Built on the site of a former chemical works, it includes: 16.5 pitches, including a full-size synthetic indoor pitch; A 56-seat TV auditorium for players to review video clips; Four-star accommodation with king-sized beds and bathrooms; 40,000km of artificial turf on 5.5 pitches, each one different so the team can tailor match preparations for away games.

The squad took on Manchester Grammar School, Terra Nova School, King’s Chester and Forest Green School throughout the morning and turned in some hugely encouraging displays, with defender Oscar Jewsbury and goalkeeper Jenson Hodgson-Roberts impressing considerably.

Jamie McLeod,head of boys’ games at Ryal Penrhos, said: “This was another extremely worthwhile experience for our young footballers, who will all benefit considerably from testing their skills at such an impressive venue.

“Hopefully they can take these good displays into a busy series of fixtures in the coming weeks, and we would like to thank Man City and the IAPS for having us once again.”