The National League Football Academy's inaugural season is underway.
Matchday One saw 11 fixtures after the National League launched the new initiative this summer with the National League Youth Alliance to encourage clubs to tap into more homegrown talent by improving player pathways.
Academy licences were granted to 22 clubs who met the National League's criteria by mid-August to play in two regional divisions for the 2019/20 season. Agreement to launch the NLFA was initially given by clubs at the National League's AGM in June at Celtic Manor.
With 12 clubs in a South Division and ten in a North Division, sides will play each other twice, both home and away. The next generation of National League stars are also set to kick off in an additional cup competition later this season.
The National League's head of player development Gary Owers hailed the new set-up when the licenses were granted last month.
“The National League and National League Youth Alliance is committed to youth development,” said Owers. “As part of our ongoing strategic approach we have implemented a scheme for clubs to demonstrate their own commitment to raising and maintaining standards in this area.
“The aim of a National League Football Academy is to provide an environment and player pathway which allows clubs to develop and produce more and better home grown players”.
NLFA Matchday One Fixtures
NLFA North
Boston United vs AFC Fylde
Guiseley vs FC Halifax Town
Hartlepool United vs Alfreton Town
Solihull Moors vs Darlington
York City vs Chester
NLFA South
Boreham Wood vs Woking
Bromley vs Aldershot Town
Dartford vs Chippenham Town
Dover Athletic vs Weston Super Mare
Hampton & Richmond Borough vs Oxford City
Sutton United vs Maidenhead United
