Members of our Elite Development Squad ramped up preparations at the CFA ahead of next week’s return to action.

The September international break has afforded head coach Brian Barry-Murphy and his players vital time to plan and prepare on the training field.

Having recorded a fine 4-0 win away at Newcastle in PL2 last time out, the City youngsters face a busy return to action next week with our opening UEFA Youth League group game at home to Red Star Belgrade taking place next Tuesday.

That is then followed by a keenly anticipated PL2 home clash with Chelsea a week on Friday, a game that will be screened live on CITY+ and Recast.

And as our gallery illustrates, the City youngsters were in great spirits as they went about their work.

View the best of the training session in our gallery below…

BY THE LEFT: Sebastian Naylor works on his close control
BY THE LEFT: Sebastian Naylor works on his close control

THIRSTY WORK: Emilano Lawrence takes the opportunity to rehydrate
THIRSTY WORK: Emilano Lawrence takes the opportunity to rehydrate

FIELD OF DREAMS: The City youngsters go through their paces
FIELD OF DREAMS: The City youngsters go through their paces

WATCHING BRIEF: For EDS head coach Brian Barry-Murphy
WATCHING BRIEF: For EDS head coach Brian Barry-Murphy

HIGH FLIER: Goalkeeper George Murray-Jones takes to the CFA skies
HIGH FLIER: Goalkeeper George Murray-Jones takes to the CFA skies

POWER PLAY: Kane Taylor goes through a fitness drill
POWER PLAY: Kane Taylor goes through a fitness drill

ALL SMILES: Emiliano Lawrence and Sebastian Naylor size up the next task
ALL SMILES: Emiliano Lawrence and Sebastian Naylor size up the next task

TAKE FIVE: Matthew Warhurst prepares for the next bout of action
TAKE FIVE: Matthew Warhurst prepares for the next bout of action

FOCUS TIME: Daniel Batty gets ready to rumble
FOCUS TIME: Daniel Batty gets ready to rumble

FORWARD MARCH: Will Dickson puts on the afterburners
FORWARD MARCH: Will Dickson puts on the afterburners

FOCUS TIME: For Kane Taylor
FOCUS TIME: For Kane Taylor

STEP TO IT: Mohammadou Susoho and Kane Taylor are primed for action
STEP TO IT: Mohammadou Susoho and Kane Taylor are primed for action

LEADING MAN: Brian Barry-Murphy looks on
LEADING MAN: Brian Barry-Murphy looks on