Stags' under-18s will begin their third successive EFL Youth Alliance North East title defence on Saturday as they make the trip to Rawdon Meadows to face Bradford City under-18s (11.00am kick-off).
Our under-18s are currently enjoying a hugely successful period, having won three consecutive EFL Youth Alliance titles under the guidance of academy manager John Dempster.
Stags topped the North East table by 14 points last season, scoring 55 and conceding just 16 goals in their 24 games played.
Dempster now has a fresh batch of youngsters coming through the ranks for this season, and says that he will maintain the winning mentality in the squad.
"We’re certainly trying to create a winning environment and a competitive environment again," he said. "If we’re being honest it will be very difficult to win a fourth league title in a row because of the standard of the other academies that we’re up against.
"We’re not embarrassed to say that we do put a big emphasis on winning. But also the craft of the coaches is that we’re looking to develop these players on a daily basis.
"Essentially, that is our job, to get individuals in and around the first team. That’s our role at the football club.
"So yes, there’s an emphasis on winning, but the bigger picture is getting those individuals through and hoping they have an effect on the first team in a positive way."
Stags 2018-19 EFL Youth Alliance fixtures can be found here.
For supporters wishing to attend the game, the address is as follows: Rawdon Meadows Playing Fields, Woodhouse Grove School, Apperley Lane, Bradford, BD10 ONR.
Kick-off is 11.00am.
