NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP: England’s ‘new’ controversial competition

On Wednesday night, Wolves U21s travel to Oldham Athletic for their first match of the new National League Cup. The competition sees Category 1 academy sides take on Vanarama National clubs, but it hasn’t been welcomed by everyone involved.

At first glance, it seems innocent, especially from a Wolves perspective. Supporters enjoy new away days, young players get more chances to face senior opposition, and new silverware is up for grabs. However, the National League sides don’t see it as all positive. The competition dates back to 1979 when it was exclusively for non-league clubs. Northwich Victoria defeated Altrincham in the first final, and the cup ran smoothly until its last season in 2001. In 2004, the competition returned as the “Conference Challenge Cup” but lasted only one season in this form. In 2007, Blue Square, then sponsors of the National League, tried to revive the tournament again. This time, it lasted two seasons, slightly more successful than the previous attempt. The Setanta Shield, as it was known, faded away in 2009 when Setanta’s English division went into administration. AFC Telford United were the final winners, and since then, there has been little mention of the cup, with no one particularly mourning the forgotten trophy.

In April 2024, FA Cup replays were scrapped, surprising many who learned that the National League supported the move. Their reasoning soon became clear as rumours of a new tournament began circulating. A collaboration between the Premier League and the National League, the National League Cup officially returned in September. The format mixed the Bristol Street Motors Trophy with the Premier League International Cup. Four groups of four National League sides and four PL2 sides were formed, with each PL2 side playing each NL side. Teams earned three points for a win, one point for a draw, and a bonus point in a penalty shootout. The top two sides from each group advance to the knockout round.

Issues arose when some invited clubs declined to participate. Eastleigh led the charge, releasing a statement criticising the tournament. They claimed the financial rewards were “negligible”, the increased schedule would be excessive, their academy players might be poached, and there was little demand for the competition from their fans. They added that clubs in the league weren’t consulted about the new tournament or the scrapping of FA Cup replays. The response highlights the growing divide between top clubs and non-league football, with this competition having the opposite effect of what was intended. The reaction mirrored that of EFL clubs when PL2 teams were added to the EFL Trophy.

That said, I have always supported competitions that allow me as a fan to visit stadiums and clubs I wouldn’t usually go to. The BSM Trophy and Birmingham Senior Cup are two of my favourite events for the variety they offer throughout the season, but I understand the other side. If it were my club hosting U21 sides and constantly losing youth players, I would feel very differently. With its poor reception and rocky start, it remains to be seen whether this marks a permanent return or yet another fleeting revival for the National League Cup.

Whatever your thoughts, the competitions will go ahead this season, with tickets available on Oldham’s website for Wolves supporters ahead of Wednesday’s clash.