SOUTHEND United legend Adam Barrett hopes to be able to produce future stars for the Shrimpers from his Players Football Academy.

The former Blues captain took six teams from his academy to take on sides in the current youth set up at the League Two club last Friday.

Matches were played at every age group from under-seven to under-13 at the playfootball.net centre in Prittlewell.

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Youngsters battle for possession 

And Barrett is delighted by the progress made by his Thundersley academy during its first year in existence.

“It’s been great and playing so many matches against Southend United was a proud moment because it showed how far we have come,” said the 34-year-old, who is currently on loan at AFC Wimbledon from Gillingham.

“It was the biggest night we’ve ever had, it was the most amount of matches we’ve had at one time and it was fantastic, especially as it was against Southend and I know a lot of the people there.

“The aim is very much to produce players in our area to go on to play at professional clubs.

“And if that could be Southend United then that would be brilliant.”

Barrett has been joined at the Academy by former Blues manager and midfielder Steve Tilson plus ex-striker and youth team chief Danny Greaves and former left-back Che Wilson.

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But Barrett is keen to keep on improving the set up.

“To have Tilly, Danny Greaves and Che Wilson involved is fantastic and we also have some excellent young coaches too,” said Barrett, who made 289 appearances during six years with Blues. “It’s coming up to our first year and I’m delighted with how it’s gone.”

For more details on the Players Football Academy, based at the Cedar Hall School, email Adam on adambarrett26@icloud.com