Sixteen Category One academy sides will make their debut in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday evening, facing a competitive campaign against League One and League Two clubs for the first time.
Premier League 2 sides, including Chelsea and West Ham United, will compete against senior professionals in 16 groups of four, with the top two teams qualifying for knockout stages and a chance to play the final at Wembley Stadium in April 2017.
Stoke City's first opponents in the competition are Bradford City, who are second in League One. Charlie Adam, the Stoke midfielder, says as well as benefitting the club's talent the Checkatrade Trophy will help the senior professionals what with up to five players over the age of 21 allowed to start.
"It's good for us as a club, and it's good for first-team players to get involved in it as well, to help the kids," Adam said. "These types of games will be important and good for the sharpness of the first-team players.
"You will probably see a number of players who are not playing for the first-team on a Saturday in action midweek. That will give the competition a boost, and it will be a good trophy to try and win."
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Aaron Cresswell worked his way up to play in the Premier League with West Ham United via spells at Tranmere Rovers and Ipswich Town and believes the competition will aid the development of young players.
"It gives them an experience they wouldn't get playing against academy teams," the left-back said. "It's a lot more physical, stronger and harder. It will definitely toughen them up and be good for them."
West Ham, last season's Premier League Cup champions, also kick off their Checkatrade Trophy campaign on Tuesday, with a visit to League One side Coventry City.
Elsewhere on Tuesday, Southampton face a trip to Charlton Athletic, Middlesbrough travel to Scunthorpe United, Leicester City go to Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion play Millwall and Swansea City face AFC Wimbledon.
Category One academies of clubs outside the Premier League are also in action. For all the Checkatrade Trophy fixtures, visit www.efl.com/checkatrade-trophy/fixtures.