Linnets to benefit from National League Cup

King’s Lynn Town is set to reap financial rewards from a competition starting this week – without even kicking a ball.All National League clubs are set to benefit from the National League Cup despite only 16 of them playing any part.Sixteen National League teams will compete alongside 16 under-21 teams from Premier League 2 sides.But the National League has confirmed that all 72 clubs will benefit financially from the £1million prize fund.While the breakdown is not being made public by the league, it’s been confirmed that competing clubs will receive prize money based on performance and progression, but all clubs – including the 48 at North and South – will receive funds from the prize pot.Originally, the format was set to be the top 16 National League teams to be involved but some clubs declined to take part, so it was offered further down the league.The National League Cup is designed to give young players from Premier League and EFL clubs additional opportunities to test themselves against senior opposition and aid elite player development. But its introduction at the same time as FA Cup replays are scrapped from the first round proper has meant it has, not surprisingly, been met with cynicism by some clubs and supporters. Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham are among the 16 top-flight clubs whose under-21 sides will compete.The tournament will take the format of eight groups of four, with the top two from each group going through to the knockouts.As in the EFL Trophy, the Premier League 2 sides will play all of their matches away from home – with the hosts keeping all of the gate receipts.The first round of games will be played on Tuesday, 1 October and Wednesday, 2 October, with the final scheduled to take place on either Tuesday, 1 April or Wednesday, 2 April.