The Premier League will launch its new Under-21 cup competition today, declaring it to be another positive step forward in the development of younger players.
Although Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham have opted out, 51 academies have entered, including Saints, with the draw for the first two rounds today featuring four Premier League clubs.
All matches have to be played in proper stadiums, which Premier League director of youth Ged Roddy feels is a significant development.
Entrants at Qualifying Round 1 stage (category three academies). Northern: Burnley, Doncaster, Hull, Wigan, Preston (one bye). Southern: AFC Wimbledon, Bournemouth, Bristol Rovers, Colchester, Exeter, Gillingham, Peterborough, Plymouth, Torquay, Watford.
Qualifying Round 2 (category two academies). Northern: Barnsley, Birmingham, Coventry, Crewe, Derby, Huddersfield, Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday (one bye). Southern: Brighton, Bristol City, Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Millwall, Queens Park Rangers and Swansea.
Round of 32 (category one academies). Northern: Blackburn, Bolton, Everton, Leicester, Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Stoke, Sunderland, West Brom, Wolves. Southern: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Fulham, Norwich, Reading, Saints, West Ham.
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