Academy manager Dean Ramsdale has highlighted the benefits his quintet of youngsters will gain from the first team’s training camp in Portugal.
Sean Clare, George Hirst, Jack Lee, Connor O’Grady and Jack Stobbs were each on the plane across Europe to train and work with their senior counterparts on a daily basis.
And Ramsdale, speaking exclusively to swfc.co.uk, says the experience will only hasten their development:
“These boys have impressed for some time and the opportunity they have in Portugal is fantastic.
“Obviously they have a lot to learn but they will pick up so much knowledge by training and being around the senior players on a daily basis.
“Being in the first team environment for one week is like three months with the Under-18s.”
The academy chief also echoed the thoughts of Carlos Carvalhal earlier this week, when the head coach insisted the talented crop of young Owls were on the tour for their ability, not to make up the numbers.
He continued: “Carlos and Lee Bullen have kept their eyes on this group for some time.
“For us as an academy, to have five lads out with the first team is really pleasing, and as Carlos said, they are there based on their ability.
“Carlos sits on our technical board, he knows the ins and outs of the academy and he has already shown that age is not an issue as Joe Wildsmith played 14 games for the first team last season.
“The current lads can see what can be achieved and now they must continue the good things they are doing and adding these new experiences to their game.
“The shoots are coming through and now the boys have to become men for the next part of their pathway.”