These are exciting times at Altrincham Football Club, with the new professional era now well underway and the Academy providing the enticing scenario of homegrown youngsters graduating to senior status.

It's just over three years since the Academy was launched as a further indication of the cub's ambition to keep growing and developing, and the fruits of such a forward-thinking move are already being seen.

The likes of Ryan Morton, Ryan Forde and Amaar Hussain have all made their mark and returned for pre-season training ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, while there are high hopes for four more emerging youngsters, after some eye-catching performances for the Academy teams last season, in the shape of Owen German, Loui Williams, Tom Jones and Ewan McGeady.

There's nothing better for supporters than to see local talent coming through the ranks and challenging for opportunities at senior level, but what do the lads themselves think of their progress so far and the possibilities ahead?

Press and media officer Brian Flynn and Alty TV's Mark Bennett went to the Robins' Egerton training headquarters to find out, chatting to each player in turn for a series of interviews that will run on a daily basis all this week.

We are delighted to launch this Academy special by presenting Brian's interview with Owen here today, followed by Loui tomorrow, Tom on Thursday and finally Ewan on Friday, just 24 hours prior to our opening pre-season friendly away to Lancaster City. As ever, the camerawork for all four interviews was by Mark.

Owen is a versatile central midfielder, who is highly regarded by the Academy coaching staff and manager Phil Parkinson and who gained valuable experience and a good number of admirers during a loan spell at North West Counties League side Irlam Town towards the end of last season.

Listen to what he had to say to Alty TV and look out for an insight into the thoughts and hopes of Loui, Tom and Ewan here on the club's website over the next three days.