Premier League 2 to become Under-21 competition from next season – The Athletic

The Premier League have announced that the Premier League 2 will become an Under-21 competition from next season.

Previously, the upper age limit for clubs’ reserve sides was 23. However, the Elite Player Performance Plan, intended to develop more home grown players, has decided to lower the boundary by two years.

The competition is intended to smooth the transition between academy and first-team football.

To help clubs with the transition, the number of over-age outfield players permitted has been raised from three to five.

Manchester City are the reigning Premier League 2 champions, having won the league over West Ham United by six points last season.

A Premier League statement said: “From the start of the 2022-23 season, Premier League 2 will become an under-21 competition.

“The amendment to the age limit, which was previously under-23, has been introduced as part of an ongoing review of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) to better align with the EFL Trophy and international competitions.

“The rule change is designed to reflect the reality of the players in the competition, whose average is currently 19.

“The aim is to continue providing opportunities for the best young players to play alongside and against older and more experienced players.”

(Photo: Matt McNulty – Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)

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