The fixtures for Arsenal’s debut in the Checkatrade Trophy have now been confirmed with our under-21s set to travel to League One’s Coventry City and League Two sides Cheltenham Town and Forest Green Rovers.
After declining the offer to participate in the competition for the last two years, it was announced in June that the Gunners would be involved in the tournament that pitches academy sides against senior lower league opposition.
It’s a chance for young players, predominantly those that will feature for Freddie Ljungberg’s under-23s, to gain valuable experience playing in competitive fixtures outside of the loan system.
We’re not sure yet whether any of these fixtures will be broadcast, so if you want to catch the action you’ll be hitting the road in September, October and November.
Coventry City v Arsenal Under-21s
7.45pm | Wednesday, September 12
Ricoh Arena
Cheltenham Town v Arsenal Under-21s
7.45pm | Tuesday, October 30
Whaddon Road
Forest Green Rovers v Arsenal Under-21s
7pm | Wednesday, November 7
The New Lawn
I think this is exciting for our youngsters. Not sure why we didn’t participate at first – it seems to be a good balance for those not ready for a full loan deal yet, and our loans don’t always work out very well anyway.
It’s exciting on another note too, because it’s an opportunity for AFC to pick up another trophy. Of course, it’s not one with any importance, but it is a “real”, competitive trophy against professionals unlike the PL2, or any of the inane summer preseason competitions. Why not go out and try to win it?
Not sure either. Arsene & many other managers including Guardiola have said the u23s is not fit for purpose in preparing players for the league so this can only be a positive.
It’s almost a throwback to the Football Combination, youngsters up against experienced professionals.
Cheltenham game is actually Oct 9th
What a great name for a football stadium at Forest Green Rovers – The New Lawn.
They are also the world’s first carbon neutral football club. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/30/forest-green-rovers-named-worlds-first-un-certified-carbon-neutral-football-club
This my friends is called nominative determinism.
3 fixtures? So is there a group stage?
yes, 16 groups (8 northern, 8 southern) of four teams in the group stage.