Newcastle United have confirmed they will play in the Papa John's Trophy next season.
The tournament, which was called the Checkatrade Trophy when Newcastle first participated in 2018, has not been kind to the Magpies in recent seasons as they struggled to qualify for the knockout stages.
After reaching the last 16 - when they were beaten by Sunderland's senior side at the Stadium of Light - the second string have failed to progress past the group segment.
A Newcastle statement read: "A United under-21 side will again take part in the Papa John's Trophy during the 2021/22 campaign, it has been confirmed.
"Chris Hogg and Peter Ramage's side are one of 16 Category One academies joining the 48 teams from League One and Two for next season's competition."
With a Wembley final on offer in April and cash incentives as the rounds go by, Newcastle feel the competition can still benefit their youngsters.
Next year's final showpiece takes place on Sunday, 3rd April 2022 but a big improvement on last year's efforts will be needed from the black and whites before they can dream of such an event.
They lost to Bolton Wanderers, Crewe and Shrewsbury last term and failed to pick up a point.
Of course, the current holders of the trophy are Sunderland after they beat Tranmere Rovers in last season's showpiece.
