Leeds United accept invitation to take part in the EFL Trophy following academy upgrade

Leeds United have accepted an invitation to compete in the 2020/21 EFL Trophy.

The Whites will field an Under-21s side in the competition for the first time in the club's history after achieving category one academy status.

The tournament pits League One and Two clubs against 16 academy sides, with Leeds now due to take part after Thorp Arch's tier grading was upped last month.

The group stage draw for the EFL Trophy will take place on August 18 with the first fixture scheduled for September 8 or 9 - just days ahead of the club's opening Premier League outing at senior level.

The final of the competition will take place at Wembley stadium on March 14 next year.

Following promotion to the top flight, Leeds will also now enter the Carabao Cup at the second round stage, which is due to be held on the week commencing September 14.