GIVING youngsters the opportunity to shine is a major philosophy at Flint Town United - and that’s not about to change as they prepare for their return to the top flight.

The Silkmen gained promotion last time out by finishing as runners-up in Cymru North and the first league game of the new campaign is at home to Cardiff Met tomorrow afternoon.

Flint had hoped to include 15-year-old Levi Morrison, but that won't longer be the case.

Already over six feet tall, Morrison can play in the heart of the defence or on the right and he would have been the youngest player picked by boss Lee Fowler during his time at the Flint helm.

“Yes, the budget is tight, but when it was bigger, it was important to give these kids a chance,” said Fowler, who utilised a young squad for last weekend’s 5-1 Welsh League Cup loss to The New Saints.

In a post on X, Flint’s Academy said: “Just the 9️ current / former academy players in the squad tonight!

“Congratulations to Academy players Logan Sumner & Ben Hoban making their 1st Team competitive debut.”

Fowler added: “I don’t think people realise how young we are.

“The average age of our team versus TNS was 21 years of age. I think the oldest person on the bench was 19.

“We always have a financial noose. We can’t compete financially, but we will fully believe in the kids.”

It was a baptism of fire for the Flint youngsters versus the cup holders, but Fowler was pleased with his side’s showing.

“I don’t think anyone’s going to go there and do what we did,” he said.

“We should have scored five goals. We created a lot of chances in the game and I don’t think it was a 5-1 game.

“My point of view is be positive and be on the front foot.

“We did well. It doesn’t matter what TNS team you play. They’re coached well. I thought their kids were brilliant as well.”

Looking ahead to the start of the league season, Fowler said: “In terms of Cardiff Met, they’re a good side.

“They are well coached and they have got good energy.

“Our home form has been really good for a long time now. It’s important to stick to what we’re going to be doing.”

Elliott Reeves is unavailable this weekend, while Bobby Beaumont is suspended.

Colin Caton is hoping to have more players fit and available as Bala Town open their league campaign away to Barry Town United tomorrow.

It was a weakened side that got the better of Ruthin Town 1-0 in the Welsh League Cup last week and looking ahead to tomorrow, Bala boss Caton told the club’s X site: “It’s going to be tough.

“Barry have recruited. They’re having a bit of a go this year, but obviously we’ll get Louis Robles back, we’ll get Kyle Harrison back, we’ll get Nathan Peate back and then that will move people further forward as well.”

The Cymru Premier League season gets underway this evening as Newtown play host to Aberystwyth Town. On Sunday, last season’s Cymru South champions Briton Ferry Llansawel will begin life in the top flight at home to Penybont.