Confirmed: Leeds United learn their fate in group draw for EFL Trophy
Leeds United finally earned their category one status for the academy in July.
One of the big benefits is the step up in competition for their youngsters, with the under-21s and 23s now playing in both the Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy.
The under-21s will have to do it without Carlos Corberan though, who left to take charge of Huddersfield Town at the end of last season.
It was the EFL Trophy draw on Tuesday, and the young Whites have been confirmed in Group G for the 20/21 campaign.
Joining them in that group will be Accrington Stanley, Barrow and Blackpool in their first-ever season in the competition.
The EFL Trophy was reformed a number of years ago in place of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy – and it sees eight under-21 sides take on League One and Two teams for the chance of silverware.
In their brief stay in League One, Leeds only ever made it to the semi-finals in the competition and were knocked out by Carlisle on penalties – we all remember that Lubo Michalik miss.
Marcelo Bielsa has been a big fan of the academy since arriving in West Yorkshire and will be paying close attention to his youth side next season.
It will heavily benefit the first-team too, as returning players, as well as the youngsters, will be playing against senior sides rather than other academies that Leeds swept aside easily last season.
Andrea Radrizzani will consider this a massive step too, with only seven other clubs having their academy sides invited to the competition – a trip to Wembley anyone?
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