Liverpool Football College youngsters received an inspirational pep talk from two World Cup winners ahead of the prestigious Dallas Cup.
Some 54 teenagers in three squads from the Allerton-based centre will fly off to the States on Monday for a training camp in Florida before the serious action starts next Sunday.
Coaches Steve Cooper and Mike Marsh masterminded England Under-17s' World Cup triumph in India in 2017 when Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster clinched the Golden Boot as part of a team which included the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Phil Foden.
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On a visit to the college the duo gave a presentation to the players about how to handle the demands of tournament football and the secrets behind their success.
England Under-17s boss Cooper told them: “Everyone knows the Dallas Cup in football. You're going there to represent this city and a lot of people are very proud of you.
“Tournament football takes you to places you don't usually go. Listen to your coaches and don't under-estimate the importance of nutrition, hydration and getting plenty of sleep between matches.
“I brought the World Cup home and my nine-year-old son took it to school the next day. That meant a lot. Go over there and create your own stories.”
Former Liverpool first-team coach Marsh added: “Whether you're playing every minute or you're on the bench, be humble. You have to think about the team rather than yourself if you're going to be successful.”
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Liverpool Football College, who work in partnership with City of Liverpool FC, will field teams at under-17, under-18 and under-19 levels in the Dallas Cup.
College director David Rowe told the ECHO: “It was unbelievable for the boys to hear Steve and Mike share their experiences of tournament football.
“There was some great insight which will stand them in good stead for what they face in Dallas.
“I think this is our seventh year going over there and we're really looking forward to it. It's a life-changing opportunity for the boys - both on and off the pitch."
Fundraising for the trip has been boosted by support from the likes of the Anfield Wrap, Hotel Tia and An Hour For Others.
The college's head coach Todd Blayney said: "There have been so many success stories already with players gaining USA scholarships and one of our first students, Lewis Jones, earning a professional contract with Lansing Ignite in the USL.
"There will be a lot of talent scouts at the Dallas Cup and you never know who will be watching."
