Gary Freeman’s newly formed side have been handed another high-profile primer before their debut in Combined Counties League Division One on 3 August, with the Foxes’ under-23s booked in for a visit on Tuesday 16 July as they too look to make an impression.
Leicester U23s travelled to Jersey twice in 2017 to play the Island’s representative squad – winning 3-0 and 2-1 – and have a reputation for producing top talent. Hamza Choudhury featured in the 3-0 triumph and has since played regularly for the club’s first team as well as earning selection for England U21s.
England cap Ben Chilwell and Crystal Palace regular Jeffrey Schlupp also progressed through the academy system.
‘This is another exciting fixture for the club as we build towards the new season [and] another chance for the players to test themselves against professional opposition,’ said Bulls manager Gary Freeman.
‘These are exiting times for Jersey football, I’m sure the local football community will be out in force to support Jersey Bulls FC and watch potential Premier League stars of the future.’
Former Jersey FA vice-president Iain Mackenzie, who helped arrange the fixture through his own venture, Sporting Eventualities, said: ‘Steve Beaglehole [Leicester U23 coach] really enjoyed their previous visits to Jersey and thinks it is a fantastic place to bring his squad. It gives them a great opportunity to bond ahead of the new season.
‘He is delighted to have the opportunity to help the new club raise its profile.’
The Leicester fixture [7pm kick-off] follows the visit of League Two club Stevenage on Saturday 6 July, and may yet be backed up by a third pre-season game for Bulls’ new players before they welcome Ash Utd to Springfield for their first ever league match.
