https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/10/premier-league-academy-teams-english-football-league-trophy-efl

New format for the trophy and important for us they are including academy teams as well. They dont name any club in particular but I think its safe to assume our boys will be taking part. One step closer to B teams

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/10/premier-league-academy-teams-english-football-league-trophy-efl

New format for the trophy and important for us they are including academy teams as well. They dont name any club in particular but I think its safe to assume our boys will be taking part. One step closer to B teams

I like that, I don't want to sound like a pessimist but I really do think our and other academy teams would struggle against a team full of seasoned senior footballers, regardless of the league.  Be interesting to see what happens.  When is the draw?

 

I like that, I don't want to sound like a pessimist but I really do think our and other academy teams would struggle against a team full of seasoned senior footballers, regardless of the league. Be interesting to see what happens. When is the draw?

I read only that link on it so no idea about the draw.

I reckon our academy team in particular would be able to handle League 2 sides. Would we win it? No way but its good experience for them anyway

I like that, I don't want to sound like a pessimist but I really do think our and other academy teams would struggle against a team full of seasoned senior footballers, regardless of the league.  Be interesting to see what happens.  When is the draw?

 

That is why it would be great for academies like ours it would really give them a platform to be challenged and develop it should also hopefully mean they don't have to go on loan as quickly whilst getting exposure to a more physical game.

Shunned to the youth section...

We have decided to reverse the decision and take part in the competition. Good decision Chelsea.

 

our opening group games are:-  Southern Group C:

Match Day 1 - w/c 29th August 2016 *
Swindon Town v Chelsea *
Oxford United v Exeter City

Match Day 2 - w/c 3rd October 2016 *
Exeter City v Chelsea *
Swindon Town v Oxford United

Match Day 3 - w/c 7th November 2016
Exeter City v Swindon Town
Chelsea v Oxford United

* Chelsea`s Fixture for Match Day 1 will take place during w/c 12th September and Match Day 2 will take place w/c 17th October.

 

I was surprised to see Chelsea was the only big club to include their academy.