There will be plenty of excitement, tinged with a fair share of emotion, when Northwood host their marquee pre-season friendly against a Chelsea Under-23s side on July 14 at Northwood Park.

The young Blues squad will visit the Chestnut Avenue club for the second time in six years where both Northwood and Chelsea will contest the Pete Barry Memorial Trophy in memory of its namesake.

Barry, father of Woods chairman Ian, passed away in October 2016 and had deep connections to both clubs, later serving on the Isthmian South Central club’s committee.

The friendly will also fall less than twelve months after former Chelsea youth coach Dermot Drummy took his own life at the age of 56 last November.

Drummy was in charge the last time Chelsea visited this corner of Middlesex, in July 2012, when then manager Gary Meakin’s Northwood side played out an entertaining 0-0 draw in front of a sizeable crowd.

That Chelsea XI even featured former Watford defender Nathan Aké, now of Bournemouth, and a certain Ruben Loftus-Cheek who spent this summer in Russia with the England World Cup squad.

And new Northwood manager Dean Barker is positively enthused by the prospect of kicking off his rein with such a prestigious match, undoubtedly the highlight of a packed pre-season schedule, and is hopeful that the club can attract a large gate.

“It’s an amazing friendly for myself, for the players, for the club, and it’s going to be an emotional day for some people as well,” Barker said.

“Ian’s done really well in getting that friendly. Everyone’s looking forward to it and hopefully we can have a good crowd on the day.”

Judging by the anticipation that has been simmering ever since the fixture was announced, the club should easily eclipse their average gate which in the last few years has fluctuated around the 120 mark.

With Northwood gearing up to host the next generation of stars from the west London club, they are optimistic that the occasion will be one to savour and will act as a celebration of their community ethos.

Fielding teams right from the Under-6s to senior football, the Woods have a long history of opening their doors to the local area – even being awarded FA Community Club status in 2003.

“I’m hoping we can show off what a good club Northwood is. Hopefully those people will enjoy themselves and come back and watch some more games throughout the season,” said Barker.

“We have got a really strong youth set-up at the club and I’m looking forward to working with them throughout the season.”

All those who wish to attend are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets as the attendance will be capped for safety reasons.

Admission is priced at £10 for Adults, £6 for Concessions, and £2 for Under-16s, while a special souvenir match programme will be available to purchase on the day.

Tickets are available to purchase from www.northwoodfc.com, or in person on most evenings at the clubhouse located on Chestnut Avenue, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 1HR.