The South West Peninsula League have announced the teams competing in the newly-formed Under 21 Cup Floodlight Midweek.
The competition has been designed as a mini-cup but at the end of the season, if it is a success, the league says it will consider either expanding it into a league or keeping it as a cup.
The competition aims to give young players the opportunity to play floodlit games on good grounds with the focus being on giving game time to young players who can be developed into first teams. These players often fall between sitting on the bench for the first team, playing for reserves – or even giving up the game and the league says a significant number of clubs no longer run reserve teams.
The format of the cup is that 12 teams who have accepted the invite have been placed into four groups of three teams. Each group will play on a round robin basis two group games, one home and one away before Easter. The four group winners will play in the semi-finals in April and the final will be at Devon FA HQ on Wednesday, May 25.
The Football Association, through the Development Plan funding for leagues, have given financial backing to the competition but the cup is currently not sponsored. If a local business would like to be associated with the league they should contact the league secretary.
Entrants and Groups:
Group A: Helston Athletic, Penryn Athletic and Wendron United
Group B: Launceston, Saltash United and Wadebridge Town
Group C: Galmpton United , Ivybridge Town and Tavistock
Group D: Budleigh Salterton, Cullompton Range and Witheridge.