U21 league to expand after successful debut

The Ryman U21 League is set to nearly double in size after its successful launch this season.

Twenty teams kicked off in a pilot version of the new competition back in September and with the campaign now approaching its climax, delighted officials have announced that it will expand to 28 clubs from next season.

The Ryman’s U21 set-up – unique in the top levels of Non-League football - is currently divided into North and South Divisions and will continue in the same format but with 14 teams competing in each as more clubs are given the chance to bridge the gap between their first teams and existing youth set-ups.

Invitations to join the expanded competition are due to start going out to the Ryman League’s 72 clubs in the coming days from Ryman League Secretary Kellie Discipline with clubs expected to be queuing up to join after the success of the inaugural campaign.

The Ryman League's Board of Directors has hailed the success of the league wide initiative to support the football development programmes among member clubs.

A spokesman said: "We are absolutely delighted with the way the pilot has taken off and really captured the imagination of the clubs who’ve taken part this season.

"As a direct result, the competition will expand from next season to give even more clubs and their young players and coaches the chance to benefit from this initiative to boost football development across the Ryman League.

"We are the only league at Steps 1-4 to have a dedicated U21 competition for its clubs and the Ryman League is already very proud of the results with the season continuing and a number of teams still hoping to clinch the North and South titles."

He added: "With even more teams set to join and give another boost to its already high standards, we are looking forward to its continuing development and future success.”