Leeds United Under-21s have the chance to make history and become the first ever winner of the National League Cup on Tuesday.
It’s been a great week of wild celebration for Leeds United after Premier League promotion was secured and Daniel Farke’s side moved within one win of the Championship title.
The National League Cup is a brand new competition introduced to the football calendar this season and Leeds United’s starlets have made it to the final.
Scott Gardner’s young side defeated Altrincham 2-1 at the start of the month, thanks to goals from Diogo Monteiro and Joshua McDonald, to earn their spot.
Standing in their way of making history will be professional outfit Sutton United, who play in the National League and are managed by former Leeds striker Steve Morison.
Hardy supporters will be able to back the Leeds youngsters in the final and here is everything you need to know about the match.
What is the National League Cup?
The National League Cup is a brand new competition introduced in the 2024-25 season in collaboration between the Premier League and the National League.
The 32-team competition pits 16 National League clubs against 16 of the best Under-21 outfits in England, with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United’s young sides all taking part.
In their opening statement, the Premier League explained the aims of the tournament: “The National League Cup is designed to give young players from Premier League and EFL clubs additional opportunities to test themselves against senior opposition, with the aim of further aiding elite player development.
“[It] also offers an opportunity for National League clubs to play regular matches against the best Under-21 teams in England at their own stadiums, with this additional exposure intended to improve the playing and spectator experience, as well as the clubs’ growth and sustainability.
“National League clubs will also keep all gate receipts from these fixtures.”
The competition consisted of eight groups of four teams before a knock-out round to reach the final.
When is the National League Cup final?
The National League Cup final will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 20205. The game will begin at 7 pm.
Where is the National League Cup final?
In an unusual twist for a final, one of the competing sides will be playing at their home ground as the match will take place at Sutton’s VBS Community Stadium.
How to watch Leeds United U21s vs Sutton
The National League will be streaming the match on their website, National League TV, on Tuesday. You just have to make an account to gain access.
Subscribers to LUTV will also be able to watch the match here.
National League Cup final tickets
Ticket information for the fixture has now been confirmed and Leeds fans are welcome to attend the game, with an away section in the ‘Curva Terrace’ being handed to the club.
National League Cup ticket prices:
- Adult: £12
- Concession (61+): £12
- Junior (14-18): £5
- Child (U14): £1
Tickets can be purchased on Sutton’s official website here.
National League Cup prize money
The Premier League has provided a £1m prize pot for the competition, though it will only be distributed to National League clubs.
Scott Gardner comments on final
Speaking ahead of the game, manager Scott Gardner told Leeds’ official website: “We have had a little bit of time with the season finishing in terms of the league for us but the prep has not be any different and we are looking forward to it.
“Any exposure we can get against senior opposition and senior professionals is massive. I think we have stood up to the test really well, which is why we have got to the final and it is about finishing the job now.
“Every game has had a different test, a different exposure to the players. They have learned a lot and we have learned a lot about them in the time that we have been in this competition.
“Our focus is always on us and what we can do well with and without the ball. We don’t want to spend too much time thinking about the opposition. We obviously do our homework and we are not going to change that going into the final.
“It would round off what has been a strong year for us. A lot of younger players are playing up, having moved up from the Under-18s.
“We have had a young group, so I think it would cap off a really strong season for us. I think the players deserve to have something to show for at the end, but ultimately they are going to have to turn up on the night to deliver.
“I think this club has always been able to produce its own players and there is a lot of good work that goes on behind the scenes at all ages.
“It is not just when they arrive in the Under-21s, it starts with the younger age groups and the work that goes on there gets them to a point where they can arrive here in the condition that they are in.”
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