Reading Under-21s are to take part in a controversial new competition involving PL2 sides and National League sides.

The National League Cup will see 16 fifth tier sides come up against 16 Category One academies in a similar format to the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

Noel Hunt's side, competing in the Premier League International Cup alongside Premier League 2 and Premier League Cup, will face Aldershot Town, Maidenhead United, Wealdstone and Woking from the National League.

Brighton and Hove Albion, Fulham and Southampton are also in the group, with the top two progressing into a knockout phase.

Starting in October, all fixtures will take place at the home of the non-league outfit and all gate receipts will be kept.

(Image: JASON DAWSON - JASONPIX)

Tony Scholes, Chief Football Officer at the Premier League, said: “We’re excited to launch this new competition in partnership with the National League. The competition will provide additional opportunities for young players in the under 17-21 age groups to gain valuable experience of playing against First Team opposition, something many of our current Premier League stars have experienced in their development.

"We’re pleased to be able to support in the operation of the competition and look forward to seeing the wider benefits it will bring to National League clubs.”

Mark Ives, General Manager at the National League said: “This new competition presents another exciting chapter in our partnership with the Premier League. Our sides will have a great opportunity to compete against some of the best Academy Players in the country.

"We’re excited to be working closer with the Premier League on the operational side of the new competition and look forward to continuing our valued partnership further.”

However, similar to criticisms thrown at the EFL Trophy, not all clubs are happy with the prospect of facing youth sides.

Among them were Eastleigh, who knocked Reading out of the FA Cup last season.

The Spitfires said: "A number of other clubs have made the decision to not participate. If we truly value our football pyramid, which is often held up as something we should be proud of and unique then it is incumbent on the clubs to push back against developments that devalue our national sport something which we believe this cup competition does.

"Lower league football provides huge enjoyment all over the country for thousands of fans, is a large employer, and providing vital experience along the way to thousands of people connected to the game many of whom subsequently achieve well paid, hugely rewarding jobs higher up the football pyramid.

"Our clubs are being under-valued, and far too many have not survived in the game when there is more money than ever flowing into it. This needs addressing and this competition increases the huge divide which currently exists."

This competition which we feel benefits the richest in the game at the expense of the poorest, many of whom are fighting to survive so on balance we feel the right decision for clubs and fans at this level is to withdraw from the competition.