Under-21s learn Vertu Trophy opponents

The draw for the group stage of the 2025/26 Vertu (EFL) Trophy has been made, with our Under-21s placed into Southern Group B along with Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham Town and Plymouth Argyle.

The 16 invited Under-21 teams from Premier League clubs were placed into previously-determined groups of EFL sides during today’s draw.

We visited Bristol Rovers in this competition last season, running out 6-5 winners on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw in which Will Lankshear, Mikey Moore and Damola Ajayi scored memorable goals.

We will face each of the three opponents in our group away from home, with dates to be confirmed in due course. Tickets for each match will be available via the host clubs.

The competition, which gives young players a chance to test themselves competitively against senior EFL sides, is initially split into northern and southern sections, each with eight groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages.

Vertu Trophy southern section draw

Southern Group A: Cardiff City, Exeter City, Newport County, Arsenal U21s.
Southern Group B: Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham Town, Plymouth Argyle, Tottenham Hotspur U21s.
Southern Group C: Northampton Town, Shrewsbury Town, Walsall, Chelsea U21s.
Southern Group D: Milton Keynes Dons, Reading, Swindon Town, West Ham United U21s.
Southern Group E: AFC Wimbledon, Bromley, Stevenage, Crystal Palace U21s.
Southern Group F: Crawley Town, Leyton Orient, Peterborough United, Aston Villa U21s.
Southern Group G: Colchester United, Gillingham, Wycombe Wanderers, Fulham U21s.
Southern Group H: Barnet, Cambridge United, Luton Town, Brighton & Hove Albion U21s.