EASTLEIGH FC have confirmed they will NOT be participating in The National League Cup competition.
Yesterday, the Premier League announced they had teamed up with the National League to launch a new cup that they believe will boost elite youth development in this country.
However, Eastleigh have told fans that despite qualifying they won’t be entering.
They made their statement across five points.
It read: “National League teams currently receive no compensation or protection for our young players, some of whom would feature in this competition. Premier League and EFL clubs simply take these players that have often had many years development at our clubs, something they cannot do to each other.
“Providing these clubs with competitive games to then play these players or showcase more of them to be taken under these circumstances is completely illogical.
“The financial reward for playing in the competition is negligible and is likely to cost the club some much-needed funds.
“We don’t believe there is a huge demand for the competition from our supporters or any other National League club.
“The fixtures are to be played between October and April which is a time in the season where the club would hope to be competing in the FA Trophy, FA Cup and mounting a challenge for the Play-offs/Promotion and to add more fixtures to this already busy schedule would be counter productive.”
The statement revealed that a number of clubs have joined Eastleigh FC’s stance on the matter.
The club added: “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.”
The tournament will help young players from Premier League and EFL clubs gain additional opportunities to test themselves against senior opposition from the fifth tier.
It will also offer the chance for National League clubs to play regular matches against the best Under-21 teams in England at their own stadiums.
The competition comes with a combined prize of £1million, provided by the Premier League.
The amount will be distributed only amongst the National League clubs.
Blackburn Rovers, Brighton, Fulham, Leeds, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Southampton, Stoke, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Brom, West Ham and Wolves have been confirmed.
They will be joined by Aldershot Town, Altrincham, Boston United, Braintree Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Ebbsfleet United, Halifax Town, Forest Green Rovers, Gateshead, Maidenhead United, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, Sutton United, Tamworth, Wealdstone and Woking.
