Reserves to Return to Competitive Football Next Season - Ipswich Town News
TWTD understands that Town’s decision to opt for Category Two academy status means that the reserves will return to competitive action next season. This year the second string have played only occasional ad hoc friendlies having withdrawn from the Football Combination last summer.
Last week striker Nathan Ellington expressed his frustration at the lack of reserve games in which to maintain a level of fitness, while youngsters on the fringes of the first team squad, such as Luke Hyam, Jack Ainsley, Joe Whight, Cormac Burke and Cody Cropper, have had few chances to impress the club’s management in a match environment.
From next season clubs applying for Category Two academy status in the Elite Player Performance Programme (EPPP) reorganisation of youth football will be obliged to enter a new national U21 league with regular home and away fixtures.
As with most aspects of the EPPP, the details are still sketchy but it’s understood two or three overage players will be allowed to play alongside the younger players.
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