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 U21 teams in England at their own stadia, with this 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 knock-out stage to determine the winner.

Tony Scholes, chief football officer at the Premier League, 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."

Mark Ives, general manager at the National League, said: "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."

PREMIER LEAGUE 2
Blackburn Rovers
Brighton & Hove Albion
Fulham
Leeds United
Manchester United
Middlesbrough
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Reading
Southampton
Stoke City
Sunderland
Tottenham Hotspur
West Bromwich Albion
West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Aldershot Town
Altrincham
Boston United
Braintree Town
Dagenham & Redbridge
Ebbsfleet United
FC Halifax Town
Forest Green Rovers
Gateshead
Maidenhead United
Oldham Athletic
Rochdale
Sutton United
Tamworth
Wealdstone
Woking