By Tom Degun
December 10 – UEFA has announced the launch of a new under-19 club competition for the 2013-2014 season which will have close ties to the Champions League.
The UEFA Youth League will see the 32 clubs that qualify for the 2013-2014 Champions League group stage also given the opportunity to participate in the under-19 club competition from next season.
A 96-game group stage will take place between September and December 2013, with fixtures played around or on the same dates as Champions League matches.
The UEFA Youth League group games are scheduled to take place on grounds in close proximity to the Champions League venues, where logistics allow such a scenario.
The eight group-winners and eight runners-up from the Youth League group stage will then participate in a knockout phase, played in single matches, from February 2014 onwards.
The competition has now been approved by the UEFA Executive Committee.
“We believe that the UEFA Youth League is an attractive additional proposition for UEFA Champions League clubs,” said UEFA President Michel Platini (pictured below).
“We have now created a competitive opportunity for youth players to be involved in international matches at club level.
“It allows us to provide a development opportunity and great experience not only for the players, but also for referees, who will be appointed on an international basis.
“Additionally, UEFA will also bring its organisational control to these matches, which will mirror closely the UEFA Champions League season.”
This format for the competition will remain in place for a second year before a review takes place.
Meanwhile, the trophy will be named after UEFA Honorary President Lennart Johansson.
“There are benefits for clubs, as they will be able to bridge the gap between their youth and first teams, and enhance their commitment to developing their teams at youth level,” added Platini.
“Our objective is only driven by a sporting perspective.”
The launch of the Youth League is set to provide competition for the NextGen Series, which includes 24 top European clubs and is currently engaged in its second season.
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