Sunday cannot come soon enough for X-Roads, who open their first season as a Premier Division club against Devonshire Cougars at Garrison Field.

The First Division champions have been training since early July in preparation for the new season, which pits them playing Cougars, defending champions Robin Hood and Boulevard in their first three matches.

The team will be without several youngsters such as Aaron Spencer Jr, Paul Simons, Tyquan Perinchief, Karl Brown, Jarye Bean and Ahria Simons who are overseas in school.

However, X-Roads picked up some players to boost their ranks, including Phillip Parsons from North Village, who will be their co-captain along with Jamin Furbert.

X-Roads missed out on another signing, when striker Clay Darrell decided to stay with Young Men’s Social Club.

“It wasn’t a rumour, it almost went through, but then Clay changed his mind and decided to stay with his club and we respect his decision,” Farid El Karfa, the X-Roads coach, said. “Phil [Parsons] is definitely a good pick-up, he brings lot of character, lots of discipline and lots of commitment and we are happy to have signed him.”

Not surprisingly, survival will be the priority for both promoted clubs, as Social Club mark their return to the top division after an absence of 37 years.

X-Roads have an idea of what to expect after hosting two Premier Division clubs last season in the FA Cup, beating Devonshire Colts 4-2 in the first round before losing 2-1 to Dandy Town in the quarter-finals after taking the lead midway through the first half.

“We did have a feel of what it would be like playing at a higher level and we have an idea of what to expect,” El Karfa said.

“We’re aware that the transition is going to be challenging but we are doing what we need to do to make sure we are in good shape. We are ready for the challenge 100 per cent. We finished on a high note last season and the team is looking forward to a new challenge.”

“We will take it one step at a time, see how the first few matches go and from then see what the target for the season is going to be, what we have to aim for. Nobody wants to go up and come down, of course.”

Goalkeeper Dashun Cooper is looking forward to a first full season in the top flight.

“I’m definitely excited about it,” he said. “The team has really been focused on preseason, matches and training, and it has been going really well.

“We don’t feel unprepared and are ready to fight for points. Phil Parsons is a good addition for us, a great guy and good player. He brings a lot of experience as well.

“He was a part of the Cougars teams when they won the triple crown [in 2012-13] and definitely knows what needs to happen to win games. It’s a pleasure having him on board.”