http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36725310
Our academy side, not sure on the age group but I assume U21, is going to compete in the Football League Trophy next season (Johnston's Paint Trophy as it's been known for a while), against League 1 and League 2 sides and 15 other tier 1 academy teams.
There's going to be an initial group stage consisting of 16 groups of 4 teams, each group containing an academy side, with the top two of each group going through to a 32 team knockout competition.
Not sure how well it'll work or how it'll affect what we choose to do with some of our promising young players this season, but could be a step toward academy sides being allowed to join the Football League. At the very least it'll make for some good experience for the kids away at proper grounds with passionate fans and with something important at stake. Think there's a TV deal in place (and prize money) too so we should be able to keep an eye on it.