Potters to participate in National League Cup
Stoke City Under-21s will participate in a new competition for first teams of National League clubs and Premier League 2 sides.
The National League Cup is designed to give young players from Premier League and EFL clubs additional opportunities to test themselves against senior opposition, with the aim of further aiding elite player development.
The competition, which begins in October, also offers an opportunity for National League clubs to play regular matches against the best Under-21 teams in England at their own stadia, with the additional exposure intended to improve the playing and spectator experience. National League clubs will also keep all gate receipts from these fixtures.
The National League Cup is a 32-team midweek competition, comprising 16 Under-21 teams participating in Premier League 2, and 16 first teams from clubs participating in the National League.
The competition will consist of a group stage (four groups of eight), with the two best-placed teams in each group advancing to a knockout stage to determine the winner.
The Potters have been drawn in a group which includes Altrincham, Oldham Athletic, Forest Green Rovers and Rochdale from the National League, as well as fellow Under-21 sides in the form of Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers. Fixture details for City’s four matches against National League opposition will be confirmed in due course.
Gareth Owen, Academy Director at Stoke City, said: “After reviewing the games programme of the Under-21s last year, we were keen to increase both the number and variety of games the players take part in. With Premier League 2, the Central League, the Central League Cup, and now the National League Cup, we believe each competition will enhance the players’ experiences and provide wide ranging environments in which they can test themselves.”
Tony Scholes, Chief Football Officer at the Premier League, added: “We’re excited to launch this new competition in partnership with the National League. The competition will provide additional opportunities for young players in the under 17-21 age groups to gain valuable experience of playing against First Team opposition, something many of our current Premier League stars have experienced in their development. We’re pleased to be able to support in the operation of the competition and look forward to seeing the wider benefits it will bring to National League clubs.”
Mark Ives, General Manager at the National League, continued: “This new competition presents another exciting chapter in our partnership with the Premier League. Our sides will have a great opportunity to compete against some of the best academy players in the country. We’re excited to be working closer with the Premier League on the operational side of the new competition and look forward to continuing our valued partnership further.”
