Under-23 Football 2018/19

Although Under-23 football is not to everyone’s taste, perceived as it often is as lacking a competitive edge, it can provide an affordable way to catch a match at a big stadium and with the occasional big-name player taking part.

The main competition at Under-23 level is Premier League 2 which is split into two divisions of 12 teams each. 

One of the rules of the competition is that 'each club must host at least three league matches at their main stadium during the course of the season, which helps to enhance the matchday experience for the players and fans.'

Some embrace this more than others and honourable mentions go to Reading and Derby County in this regard as they play as many matches as possible at the Madejski and Pride Park respectively, always offer free admission and flag them up on their websites in good time.

Manchester United usually offer free entry to games played at Old Trafford and also have an excellent partnership with Leigh Sports Village where the majority of their Under-23 fixtures are held and which always offer free admission to spectators.

There is also a Premier League Cup and a Premier League International Cup. 

The latter sees 12 Under-23 or equivalent sides from some of Europe’s top clubs take part and with all of the matches taking place in England it occasionally provides for something a little different if two of them are scheduled to play each other.

Paris St Germain are one of the new entrants to the competition for 2018/19.

The other main outlet for Under-23’s is the Professional Development League, fixtures for which can be found alongside those for the competitions listed above on the official Premier League website.

Clubs such as Coventry City and QPR offered free entry in 2017/18 to those matches played at their main grounds although these are often played on weekday afternoons.