"?Premier League academy teams are set to play in the EFL Trophy for the 2016/17 season on a one-year trial.
As announced by EFL, the proposal was approved at the English Football League's annual meeting in Portugal earlier in the week. The trial will see all League One and League Two teams continue to compete in the tournament alongside 16 category one Premier League academy sides.
The adjustment to the tournament format has been done in order to try and and create more home grown players within the English game, aswell as to showcase the ability that some of these youngsters possess.
The tournament, known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, has been running since 1983 and has been used as a way to give third and fourth tier sides a different competition to compete in. It's received mixed reviews over the years but it has provided some memorable moments for sides who otherwise might not get an opportunity to play at Wembley.
The current holders are Barnsley who managed to defeat Oxford United 3-2 in the final back in April with Fletcher and Hammill being among the goals.
The complete and full details for 2016/17's competition are expected to be finalised within the next 14 days.
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