The Under-23 age limit is an increase of two years from last season’s U21 league while rules for teams fielding overage outfield players remains the same with three players permitted plus an overage goalkeeper - but City are taking the opportunity to give crucial experience to the Club’s upcoming youngsters by fielding an Under-19 team in the new league.
Academy Director Mark Allen said: “The new format is an ideal opportunity for our Under-19 players to really test themselves this season.
“We’ll be fielding a young team but we believe this is crucial in their future development.
“It is a challenge for them on a number of levels, but one we are confident they will learn from while helping them progress. Our Under-17s will form the Under-18 side for the coming season, too, so they too will benefit from playing regularly against older players in the professional phase.
“It’s a policy we will be adopting at a number of age levels throughout the Club.”
Simon Davies’ side begin their campaign on 15 August away to Derby County.
