https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2022/06/18/change-to-pl2-competition
Change to PL2 competition
18 Jun 2022
The Premier League has announced that for the 2022/23 season, the Premier
League 2 competition is to be for under-21 players.
https://i.imgur.com/HDVYxuK.jpg
Previously, the league in which the Chelsea Academy's development squad
competes has been for under-23 players.
The Premier League explains that: 'The amendment to the age limit has been
introduced as part of an ongoing review of the Elite Player Performance
Plan (EPPP) to better align with the EFL Trophy and international
competitions.
'The rule change is designed to reflect the reality of the players in the
competition, whose average [age] is currently 19.'
A limited number of over-age players are permitted to appear in PL2 games
and that limit which was three outfield players is being increased to
five. One over-age goalkeeper is also allowed. This change is in order to
transition from the under-23 format.
In preparation for the new PL2 season which kicks off the first weekend in
August, our development squad's pre-season fixtures are as follows:
Saturday 9 July v FC Koln (home)
Saturday 16 July v Boreham Wood (away) 3pm
Tuesday 26 July v Swansea (home)
Saturday 30 July v Bromley (away) 3pm
Please note that matches marked as being at home will be played at Cobham
with no spectators admitted.