The Under 15 events were staged at Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Derby County, Sunderland, Warwick University and Bisham Abbey.

They enabled some of the clubs' most talented schoolboys to gain experience and knowledge in a non-pressurised situation.

The Premier League's new Director of Youth Ged Roddy explained: "The idea behind the festivals is to give lads the chance to play and practice in a different environment and against different opposition.

"Results are not the priority so the scores are not even recorded. The key thing is to give youngsters the chance to work on their technique and to learn new things.

"We adapted one or two of the games so coaches could try new things. For instance, some of them wanted to practice playing with 10 men.

"All the matches were very flexible with players going on and off so coaches could switch formations seamlessly.

"It got everyone thinking and the great thing about having so many sessions in one place is that everyone can get to watch each other.

"Coaches and players get to see others trying new and different things - and there was a lot of quality on show.

"The great thing is that the youngsters loved it and the coaches got to swap ideas and information.

"We had some great venues too and we are very grateful to all the hosts for putting on such good events."

There are already further festivals in the pipeline for the coming months to enable different age groups to gain similar experience.

It will also be a good chance for Roddy to run the rule over some of the country's brightest young talents and to meet those involved with their development.

Recently appointed as successor to Huw Jennings who has become Academy manager at Fulham, Roddy is best known for his success with Team Bath.

After 17 years overseeing the University of Bath's sports department in the role of Director of Sport, Roddy will now be looking to improve the standard of youth development among Premier League clubs, with the ultimate aim of increasing the number of home grown players participating in first-team matches.

Roddy will be working closely with each of the Premier League academies and his influence should introduce some fresh impetus.

He added: "I am settling in well and getting round to the clubs to meet with their academy and education managers.

"I have been very impressed by what I have seen so far. There is a huge amount of energy and great work going on.

"I am getting to know everyone and planning for the future. These festivals are a preamble to some significant changes.

"The academy managers and the clubs are on board. There are a lot of great ideas and imagination and knowledge from them so it should be an exciting time."

Arsenal: Arsenal, Charlton Athletic, Fulham, Ipswich Town, Watford.

Bisham Abbey: Crystal Palace, Portsmouth, Reading, Southampton

Blackburn: Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic.

Derby: Derby County, Leicester City, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Sunderland: Sunderland, Hull City, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United.

Warwick: Aston Villa, Cardiff City, Chelsea, Coventry City, MK Dons, Norwich City.