CHERRIES development side will play a mixture of fellow academy sides and senior teams as they step up their preparations for the new season.

Shaun Cooper’s side start their pre-season campaign with the visit of Crystal Palace this afternoon, before travelling to non-league neighbours Poole Town on Thursday, July 14 (kick-off 7.45pm).

Cooper finished his playing career with the Dolphins, and as such, the two clubs have a strong relationship, with numerous Cherries sent on loan to the BlackGold Stadium over the years.

After visiting Poole, Cherries then host their equivalents from West Ham United on Tuesday, July 19 (kick-off 2pm), which will be open to spectators at the Canford Arena.

Later that week, Cherries’ young guns face Wycombe Wanderers at a neutral venue, with the two sides facing off at Brockenhurst’s Meadens Skoda Arena on Friday, July 22 (kick-off 7.45pm).

The following Wednesday, (July 27) Fulham’s under-23s are in town for a behind closed doors friendly, whilst the fixture against QPR’s academy side on Saturday, July 30, with fans able to watch the 12pm kick-off.

Cherries round up their pre-season activity with a trip to Wales, facing Swansea’s under-23s on Wednesday, August 3.