Coventry City Academy Boss Greg Rioch has been explaining how the new U21 set up will work.
The U21 side which can feature three over age players, will provide a level similar to reserve team football for players coming back from injury and those not getting a game in either the Development Squad or first team. They will play in a league against other sides with Category Two status and will be coached by Lee Carsley.
The games can be played on Saturday's, Monday nights or another night in midweek and matches are expected to be played at the Academy, Ryton or possibly at other grounds in the City such as Coventry Sphinx.
Speaking to the CT's Andy Turner, Rioch said: "Seven first team subs are coming back in again this year which is great for a footballing point of view to give first team manager's options.
"From a development point of view, it is not so good because it means there will be lads from the Development Squad who will be needed for the first team on a Saturday but don't play.
"But they are allowing U21 games to be played on a Monday now, or midweek, at the Academy and you can also play three over age players in the U21's to allow senior pros to get games when they are coming back from injury and that's good for the young pros like centre back Joe Henderson who might get the opportunity to play alongside an experienced player.
"A lot of times the lads can get lost at the age of 19 and find that they are not playing games, lads like Callum WIlson and Shaun Jeffers , who will now be able to get games and progress."