English Championship Development League
The EFL Trophy (formerly Checkatrade Trophy) is a thrilling knockout competition focused on nurturing young talent and reserve players from professional clubs. It brings together teams from League One, League Two, and U21 sides from the Premier League, offering a vital stage for emerging stars to shine amid competitive fixtures.
History and foundation
Launched in 1983 as the Associate Members' Cup for lower-tier EFL clubs, it evolved significantly in 2016 with the inclusion of U23/U21 academy teams from the top flight, boosting its profile. Notable moments include Chesterfield's 2012 triumph as underdogs and Portsmouth's 2019 win post-relegation woes. During the 2020-21 pandemic, it provided crucial game time for youth sidelined by lockdowns.
Tournament format
The format features a group stage with 64 teams divided into 16 groups of four, playing home-hosted matches. Group winners and the best runners-up advance to the Round of 16, followed by straight knockouts culminating in a Wembley final. The season spans August to March, scheduled midweek to accommodate first-team priorities.
Interesting facts
Average goals per game hover at 2.8, often spiking above 3 due to the attacking flair of young squads. Top scorers include Jamie Paterson (12 goals for Blackburn in 2017/18) and Perry Ng (8 for Crewe). Standout alumni: Fikayo Tomori (Chelsea/Everton U21), Cole Palmer (Man City), James Maddison (Leicester) — over 70% of U21 winners progress to senior setups.