PurpleCanary 6,384 Posted August 4, 2012 The Premier League has confirmed the creation of a new Under-21 competition to bridge the gap between clubs'' academies and their first team. The first national showcase for Under-21 players will launch on 17 August when Chelsea host Manchester City and Reading visit West Ham. Teams from 17 Premier League and six Championship clubs – in effect all those who applied for category one status – will be divided into three groups.From January the sides will then be placed into three pools based on their performance, leading to a knockout stage and final. The emphasis will be on playing Under-21 players with each team limited to three over-age outfield players and one over-age goalkeeper. "Each stage of a player''s development is tailored to ensuring they have the best possible chance of progressing," said Richard Scudamore, the Premier League chief executive."The new league addresses one of the most critical points – the transition from academy football to the highest standards in the first team. We believe this competitive environment, where fans can also come along to watch the next generation of Premier League and international players, will help deliver more talented home grown boys to that next level."National Group 1: Arsenal, Blackburn, Bolton, Everton, Norwich, Reading, West Brom, West Ham.National Group 2: Aston Villa, Manchester United, Newcastle, Southampton, Stoke, Sunderland, Tottenham, Watford.National Group 3: Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Wolves. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Legend Iwan 30 Posted August 4, 2012 Saw this earlier - I think it''s an interesting initiative.Reckon because most of the senior matches are going to be £40 minimum, I''ll probably go to see the u21 side more often. But I can''t find anything on the Norwich website about the pricing for it. Anyone seen something about tickets? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gingerpele 0 Posted August 4, 2012 Says from January in the write up I think, so won''t be any ticket information now...It could work well I suppose, if this is a serious thing, it''ll benefit the clubs like Arsenal and Man.U who have shed loads of U21s, and have to send them out on loan to lower league teams, it could push them on at their club, and perhaps raise the ability of the younger players are clubs like ours. I suppose thats the point anyway. Will just have to wait and see if it actually works out like that, in theory it has the potential to be a very competitive and entertaining competition, a lot higher standard than the current reserve football. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yellowbeagle 0 Posted August 5, 2012 Going to be interesting to see how this develops. Anything that helps improve the younger players development in this country has to be good and very much needed. lets hope it''s taken seriously by the clubs. Will also give the players who develop more slowly more breathing space to make their mark in the game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old Shuck 291 Posted August 5, 2012 It would be nice to think this competition might get some sort of TV coverage-though I''m not holding my breath. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
