In the warmth of rural Leicestershire the Samba Stars pursue their ambitions.

Head coach Freddie Okyere has completed a shooting drill and gives the group time to recover.

The teenagers from the Ghana academy backed by former West Ham and Nottingham Forest forward Michail Antonio have been in England for two and a half months with one aim impressing clubs and securing contracts.

Although scouts travel to west Africa academies rarely bring squads to the UK to showcase players directly to professional teams.

"The talent these lads possess is remarkable" said Antonio.

"We founded Samba Stars Academy to provide elite coaching for young players in Ghana develop their skills and open genuine pathways into professional football while highlighting Ghanaian talent."

Based in Kumasi and developing a new site in Bompata roughly 100 miles north of Accra the Samba Stars approach has delivered results.

Bournemouth Everton Manchester City Charlton Preston Barnsley and Peterborough have all offered trials to players this summer.

"The first two or three weeks felt unreal yet once they saw the facilities and the teams we faced it became clear" said Okyere.

"They are eager to demonstrate their ability. They are driven and I expect strong interest given the talent on show.

"With our planned facilities in Ghana we aim to rank among the top two or three academies and bring the finest Ghanaian players to Europe."

Other achievements include midfielder Listowell Lord Hinneh joining Middlesbrough in February following a trial.

The 18-year-old has trained with the senior squad after moving from west Africa to the north east of England.

"When I arrived in January the cold was intense. Facing that for the first time proved challenging" he told BBC Sport.

"Relocating marked a major step. It brings the dreams I held of reaching Europe to become a professional footballer closer.

"I sense the ambitions I cherish are within reach. I am progressing toward the player I aimed to be."

Hinneh whose sister Groovy resides in Leeds met the Samba Stars group during their visit and shared guidance.

"[I told them] the future you envision begins here" he said.

"Do not merely attempt it pursue it with full passion. Play and enjoy the game because success follows when you commit fully."

All but one of the 20-strong group had their visa requests rejected initially before approval on review.

Since arrival they have stayed at Brook House College in Market Harborough and trained with Harborough Town of the National League North.

"The football here is highly detailed" said 17-year-old goalkeeper Joshua Tetteh Tuwor.

"In Ghana we share the same passion yet I now see another aspect of professional football.

"We appreciate these chances to work with top coaches."

Rob Newman formerly West Ham head of recruitment and Manchester City international scouting manager visited the academy in Ghana earlier this year and assisted coaching in Harborough.

"Hopefully clubs recognise the potential" said the former Bristol City and Norwich defender.

"Nothing would please me more than seeing these boys in a first team in Europe within six months. I believe they are two or three months from achieving that."

The Stars have contested matches against youth sides from the EFL and non-league.

They opened with a 9-0 win over Dorking Wanderers and defeated Under-21 teams from Sheffield Wednesday Luton and Peterborough.

They drew with Sheffield United and Barnsley while suffering their sole loss 3-2 to Preston Under-21s.

Antonio watched their 6-0 victory over Peterborough Under-19s last month.

"The results against strong sides since arriving in the UK show they can compete at professional level" said the 36-year-old.

"It is rewarding to help remove obstacles and offer these lads a genuine opportunity."

Ghana has qualified for five of the past six Fifa World Cups after never reaching the finals before 2006 and advanced to the quarter-finals in 2010.

At this year's tournament where they exited in the last-32 against Colombia eight squad members were born overseas.

The Black Stars have not depended as heavily on diaspora players as some other African nations yet the Ghana Football Association has discussed expanding its global recruitment which may affect home-grown talent.

"You must develop a resilient mindset" said 18-year-old striker Sherif Mashud who secured a trial with Hungarian top-flight club Zalaegerszegi through Samba Stars.

"Back home everyone relies on you and looks to you for success to support them your friends and family. Everyone prays for you."

The new English season features six Ghana internationals in the Premier League Mohammed Kudus at Tottenham Antoine Semenyo with Manchester City Brighton's Ibrahim Osman Ipswich signing Abdul Fatawu and Coventry's Brandon Thomas-Asante and Caleb Yirenkyi.

The first Ghanaian in the top flight was striker Nii Lamptey who joined Aston Villa in 1994 while midfielder Michael Essien recorded the most appearances and won two titles with Chelsea.

Only two other Ghanaians have lifted the Premier League trophy Jeffrey Schlupp and Daniel Amartey during Leicester's surprise triumph in 2015-16.

"Back home you miss those you grew up with yet that does not end the dreams that brought me here" said Hinneh who names Kudus as his main inspiration and hopes to reach the top flight after Boro fell short in last season's Championship play-off final.

"I am working to understand the reality and what lies ahead then pursue those dreams."