Sam Tillen says the U17 PDL Cup is a vital platform for the young Imps to showcase their talent and gain experience.
City will contest three group stage games in the U17 PDL cup with the hope of progressing to the knockout stages of the competition.
The cup format last year saw 52 teams split into 13 groups comprising of four teams. The winner of each group alongside the three best second placed sides advanced to the Round of 16 where the competition then continued in the traditional knockout fashion.
In addition to that, after those who qualify for the knockout rounds, the 16 next best performing teams are put into a separate competition called the U17 PDL plate where the later rounds work in the same manner as the superior competition.
City’s group comprises of fellow Youth Alliance North rivals in the form of Burton Albion and Notts County as well as Professional Development League competitors, Crewe Alexandra.
City's confirmed opponents:
- Wednesday 17 September – Crewe Alexandra (H) – 7.30pm KO
- Wednesday 1 October – Notts County (A) – 7.30pm KO
- Wednesday 22 October – Burton Albion (H) – 7.30pm KO
Head coach Tillen spoke about the importance of the competition to the young players and how it will help with their development.
He said: “It’s an opportunity for the younger lads to be involved with the U17’s and it gives them the ability to showcase themselves as players with the view of earning a scholarship here with us at Lincoln.
"Crewe are a high level academy with a reputation of producing good young players so that will be a good challenge for us in our first fixture."
