Arsenal lift the Youth Cup in 2009
Reserves/Youth Competitions
PREMIER RESERVE LEAGUE
The Premier Reserve League is a competition for the leading clubs' second-string teams. The league is split into a northern and a southern division - Arsenal are currently one of 10 sides in the southern division. Teams in each division play each other home and away, a total of 18 fixtures. The winners of each division meet in a play-off to decide the Reserve League champions. Arsenal use the Reserve League to develop their young players and give match time to those on the fringes of the first-team squad. Occasionally an established first-team player will appear for the Reserves, usually as they are eased back into competitive action following an injury.
PREMIER ACADEMY LEAGUE
The Premier Academy League is the top level of youth football in England. The league is contested by the Academy sides of the Premier League and some Football League clubs. Players eligible to participate in this league are those aged under 18 on August 31 of the year the season begins. The league is split into four regional divisions and the winners of each division meet in play-offs to decide the Academy League champions. Arsenal won the title in 2008/09, winning their regional division by 25 points before beating Manchester City and Tottenham in the play-offs.
FA YOUTH CUP
The FA Youth Cup is a prestigious competition run by the Football Association for Under–18 sides. Only players between the age of 15 and 18 on August 31 of the current season are eligible to take part. The competition is dominated by the youth sides of professional teams but attracts over 400 entrants from throughout the country. Arsenal are the Youth Cup holders after beating Liverpool 6-2 on aggregate in the 2009 Final.
