The Premier League have announced that they will introduce a new Under-21 competition this season.
The 23-team tournament, including 17 Premier League clubs and six Championship clubs, has been designed to help the transition of players from the academy to the first team.
The teams have been divided into three groups before being placed into another three performance-based pools. The best performers from those pools will then progress to a knockout phase and, ultimately, a final.
"Each stage of a player's development is tailored to ensuring they have the best possible chance of progressing," said Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore.
"The new Barclays Under-21 Premier 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."
Each team will be permitted three over-age outfield player and one over-age goalkeeper.
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
Barney Corkhill
