National League Cup: Leeds United, Middlesbrough and FC Halifax Town among participants in new competition

The National League Cup has officially been launched and will pit Premier League 2 sides against outfits from the fifth tier of English football. The latter will be hosting the fixtures and keeping all gate receipts.

The first edition of the competition will feature 16 National League clubs and 16 Premier League 2 sides.

Tony Scholes, the Premier League’s chief football officer, 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.”

Leeds and Middlesbrough are fielding their Premier League 2 sides, as are the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

FC Halifax Town are the only Yorkshire-based National League club involved, with York City not announced as competitors.

A group stage will kick the competition off, with the two best-placed teams from four groups of eight advancing to a knockout stage.

The first round is scheduled for October 1 and 2, with FC Halifax Town due to take on Newcastle United’s youngsters.

The National League’s general manager Mark Ives said: “This new competition present 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.”

Leeds and Middlesbrough are in Group C, alongside Newcastle United and Sunderland. The Shaymen make it a trio of Yorkshire clubs in the group, with Boston United, Gateshead and Tamworth also included.