U21s to compete in the National League Cup

Wolves under-21s will compete in the newly-formed National League Cup during the 2024/25 campaign.

The Premier League and the National League have today launched the new competition for 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 also offers an opportunity for National League clubs to play regular matches against the best U21 teams in England at their own stadia, with the additional exposure intended to improve the playing and spectator experience.

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.

Wolves have been placed in Group B and will travel to face Oldham Athletic, Forest Green Rovers, Rochdale and Altrincham.

Oldham Athletic vs Wolves U21s | Wednesday 6^th November, 7pm

Forest Green Rovers vs Wolves U21s | Wednesday 18^th December, 7pm

Rochdale vs Wolves U21s | TBC

Altrincham vs Wolves U21s | Tuesday 28^th January, 7.30pm

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.”