THE Vanarma National League have confirmed the launch of a new cup competition - that excludes York City. 

As previously reported, the National League have launched the new National League Cup, which consists of 32 teams, 16 of which are from the fifth tier. 

The remainder of the competition will be filled by under-21's teams featuring in the Premier League 2, who previously participated in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. 

However, of those 16 National League teams, York will not be involved.

City, AFC Fylde, Eastleigh, Hartlepool United, Southend United, Solihull Moors, Yeovil Town, and Barnet will all not be involved, with co-chair Matt Uggla previously stating that he had no interest in the competition.

The National League cup will consist of a group stage with four groups of eight, with the two best-placed teams in each group advancing to a knockout stage to determine the winner. 

The first round of action will get underway on Tuesday, October 1, with Oldham Athletic facing Stoke City under-21's.

Tony Scholes, Chief Football Officer at the Premier League said on the National League website: “We’re excited to launch this new competition in partnership with the National League.

“The competition will provide additional opportunities for young players in the under 17 to 21 age groups to gain valuable experience of playing against first-team opposition, something many of our current Premier League stars have experienced in their development.

“We’re pleased to be able to support in the operation of the competition and look forward to seeing the wider benefits it will bring to National League clubs.”

Mark Ives, General Manager at the National League said: “This new competition presents another exciting chapter in our partnership with the Premier League.

“Our sides will have a great opportunity to compete against some of the best academy players in the country.

"We’re excited to be working closer with the Premier League on the operational side of the new competition and look forward to continuing our valued partnership further.”

Winners of the competition will receive £1million as a combined prize fund, which has been provided by the Premier League, and will only be distributed to National League clubs.