THE PREMIER LEAGUE have announced a brand new competition that will boost elite youth development in the country.
The Prem has teamed up with the National League to launch the National League Cup.
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The tournament will help young players from Premier League and EFL clubs gain additional opportunities to test themselves against senior opposition from the fifth tier.
It will also offer the chance for National League clubs to play regular matches against the best Under-21 teams in England at their own stadiums.
The competition comes with a combined prize of £1million, provided by the Premier League.
The amount will be distributed only amongst the National League clubs.
Blackburn Rovers, Brighton, Fulham, Leeds, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Southampton, Stoke, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Brom, West Ham and Wolves have been confirmed.
They will be joined by Aldershot Town, Altrincham, Boston United, Braintree Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Ebbsfleet United, Halifax Town, Forest Green Rovers, Gateshead, Maidenhead United, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, Sutton United, Tamworth, Wealdstone and Woking.
The National League Cup kicks off on October 1 with a group stage consisted of four groups of eight.
The two best-placed teams in each group will advance to the quarter-finals.
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Premier League Chief Football Officer Tony Scholes said: “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.”