EFL League One and EFL League Two clubs have supported proposals to continue for 'invited' Premier League and Championship youth teams to be involved in next season's Checkatrade Trophy.
This season was the first to see Academy teams from Category One football teams invited to enter the tournament for clubs in the third and fourth tier.
32 of the 48 clubs voted to retain 'the current format with amendments' at a recent EFL meeting where clubs could also choose to revert to only EFL clubs, or abandon the Checkatrade Trophy fully.
However, changes will be made to the format such as an increased funding (£3 million), improved regionalisation to decrease travel time/distance, flexibility of fixture dates to avoid international matches from clashing, and for U21 teams to play games away only.
The league will hope to achieve three objectives: provided playing opportunities for younger players, enhance the competition's profile, and improve the revenue for EFL clubs.
Fans felt unhappy about the inclusion of 'academy' teams in this season's tournament, with low attendances being seen throughout the tournament.
This season, Southend won the group stages but were knocked out on penalties to Oxford in round two, while Colchester were unable to exit the group stages. Oxford went on to reach the Wembley final, where they were defeated by Coventry City.
This season was the first to see Academy teams from Category One football teams invited to enter the tournament for clubs in the third and fourth tier.
32 of the 48 clubs voted to retain 'the current format with amendments' at a recent EFL meeting where clubs could also choose to revert to only EFL clubs, or abandon the Checkatrade Trophy fully.
However, changes will be made to the format such as an increased funding (£3 million), improved regionalisation to decrease travel time/distance, flexibility of fixture dates to avoid international matches from clashing, and for U21 teams to play games away only.
The league will hope to achieve three objectives: provided playing opportunities for younger players, enhance the competition's profile, and improve the revenue for EFL clubs.
Fans felt unhappy about the inclusion of 'academy' teams in this season's tournament, with low attendances being seen throughout the tournament.
This season, Southend won the group stages but were knocked out on penalties to Oxford in round two, while Colchester were unable to exit the group stages. Oxford went on to reach the Wembley final, where they were defeated by Coventry City.