EFL Trophy format confirmed as Category One academy teams included in draw

The format of the 2016-17 EFL Trophy, which includes the addition of academy teams, has been confirmed.

A total of 16 Category One sides have been asked to join the 48 clubs from Leagues One and Two in what was known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy but is currently without a sponsor.

The competition will see 16 groups of four teams, each comprising an academy side, with the top two sides from each qualifying for the first knockout round of 32 teams.

The group stage draw will be announced by the English Football League in due course.

The 16 Category One Academies taking part in the EFL Trophy in 2016-17:

Arsenal Chelsea Everton Leicester City Liverpool Manchester City Manchester United Middlesbrough Newcastle United Southampton Stoke City Sunderland Swansea City Tottenham Hotspur West Bromwich Albion West Ham United