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A new competition for PL and FL sides to play in allowing for players between the ages of 16 and 21 to gain further match practice and try and reduce the gap between youth and professional football. We've got Exeter in the first round, but should we progress then there is the chance of playing the best academies in the country.

Also the regulations state you can have 3 outfield players over the age of 21 so it is another opportunity for game time for our fringe players.

Is this a hastily arranged 'quick fix', following Greg Dyke's speech, or might it be a meaningful exercise in improving our young players?

Matt.

No Man Utd youth team I see.

I think the idea is great though, it gives our youth teams chance to compete against bigger teams and could even mean more cup upsets when these youth players start coming through. On the other hand, it makes the chance for Premier League teams to scout players much easier.