The Premier League and the National League have today launched 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 stadiums, with this additional exposure intended to improve the playing and spectator experience, as well as the clubs’ growth and sustainability.
National League clubs will also keep all gate receipts from these fixtures.
**What’s the competition’s format?**
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 first round of the competition includes fixtures between Oldham Athletic and Stoke City (PL2) and FC Halifax Town and Newcastle United (PL2), while Dagenham & Redbridge host Tottenham Hotspur (PL2).
**When does the competition take place?**
Group stage
Match round 1: 1-2 October 2024
Match round 2: 5-6 November 2024
Match round 3: 3-4 December 2024
Match round 4: 21-22 January 2025
Knockout rounds
Quarter-finals: 5-6 February 2025
Semi-finals: 11-12 March 2025
Final: 1-2 April 2025
———————————————–
**Group B**
[Premier League 2 teams]
Blackburn Rovers
Manchester United
Stoke City
Wolverhampton Wanderers
[National League teams]
Altrincham
Forest Green Rovers
Oldham Athletic
Rochdale
Uuhhk on
actually prefer this type of tournament than extra games for first team. Young players actually benefit from it
bfyred on
“National league clubs will keep all gate receipts”
That is really poor show for the non league clubs involved!
3 Comments
The Premier League and the National League have today launched 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 stadiums, with this additional exposure intended to improve the playing and spectator experience, as well as the clubs’ growth and sustainability.
National League clubs will also keep all gate receipts from these fixtures.
**What’s the competition’s format?**
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 first round of the competition includes fixtures between Oldham Athletic and Stoke City (PL2) and FC Halifax Town and Newcastle United (PL2), while Dagenham & Redbridge host Tottenham Hotspur (PL2).
**When does the competition take place?**
Group stage
Match round 1: 1-2 October 2024
Match round 2: 5-6 November 2024
Match round 3: 3-4 December 2024
Match round 4: 21-22 January 2025
Knockout rounds
Quarter-finals: 5-6 February 2025
Semi-finals: 11-12 March 2025
Final: 1-2 April 2025
———————————————–
**Group B**
[Premier League 2 teams]
Blackburn Rovers
Manchester United
Stoke City
Wolverhampton Wanderers
[National League teams]
Altrincham
Forest Green Rovers
Oldham Athletic
Rochdale
actually prefer this type of tournament than extra games for first team. Young players actually benefit from it
“National league clubs will keep all gate receipts”
That is really poor show for the non league clubs involved!