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Brentford U21s Earn EFL Trophy Spot After Category One Status
23 Jun
Summary
- Brentford Under-21s will compete in the EFL Trophy for the first time.
- Academy achieved Category One status in March 2026, paving the way.
- The competition offers valuable experience against senior League One/Two teams.
Brentford Under-21s have secured a place in the 2026/27 EFL Trophy, marking a historic first for the club's academy. This invitation follows their attainment of Category One academy status in March 2026.
The team will be ball number 2 in the group stage draw, scheduled for live broadcast on Sky Sports News on Thursday, June 25th at 2:30 PM. The competition features a mix of League One and League Two clubs alongside 16 invited Category One academy sides.
Academy Director David Rainford highlighted the trophy as a vital step, providing B-team players with exposure to meaningful senior football. Head Coach Sam Saunders echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of playing in stadiums with crowds against experienced first-team players.
The group stage draw, set for June 25th, will divide teams into regional groups. The first round is slated for early September 2026, with exact dates to be confirmed after the EFL's Fixture Release Day.
