Iron placed in Group A for National League Cup

Scunthorpe United can confirm participation in the National League Cup for the 2026-27 season, with the side placed in Group A for the competition's opening stage.

We will host Stoke City U21s, Nottingham Forest U21s, Derby County U21s and Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s at the Attis Arena, with one fixture a month taking place from August through until November.

Also in Group A, taking on the Premier League academy sides, are FC Halifax Town, Gateshead and Wealdstone, although as part of the competition’s format, none of these sides will face United in the group stages.

The top two in Group A after all fixtures have been played will progress forward into the knockout stages, irrespective of whether they’re a National League side or a Premier League academy side.

Full list of group stage fixtures, with provisional dates, which are subject to change:
Scunthorpe United v Stoke City U21s - Tuesday, August 18th, 7pm kick-off
Scunthorpe United v Nottingham Forest U21s - Tuesday, September 8th, 7pm kick-off
Scunthorpe United v Derby County U21s - Tuesday, October 13th, 7pm kick-off
Scunthorpe United v Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s - Tuesday, November 3rd, 7pm kick-off

United’s involvement in the competition was carefully considered ahead of last season's invitation from the National League, with all factors taken into account.

With four group stage games scheduled, one a month in the opening four months of the campaign, we have the continued thought that it is an opportunity to be part of the competition and ensure the entirety of the squad remained up to speed in terms of match minutes. Behind the scenes, often these matches take place as bounce games against opposition without being in the public domain, but these matches give an opportunity for there to be a competitive nature to these games, and for supporters to have the option to come and watch.

Furthermore, ahead of last season, the club considered the financial gain to being part of the competition. Having been part of the National League Cup for one season, and a number of operational costs funded by the Premier League, the cost of putting on the game, and the prize money obtained, it was unanimous that our continued involvement would only be a benefit to the football club. Even with being eliminated at the group stage last season, the club generated over £30,000 in prize money revenue, with the winners Boreham Wood attaining a six-figure prize money total.

Exposing ourselves to playing Premier League academy sides also broadens our horizons and awareness of certain players at the level which may be available for loan, and will undoubtedly help us to forge lasting relationships with other clubs with regards to future player recruitment. Last season's games enabled us to form close links with Leeds United Under-21s in particular, and led to the loan signing of Rory Mahady.

We are aware of the controversy and opposition which has surrounded the competition in its two seasons so far, but as a club we are happy to accept our continued invite, and see it as another opportunity in the forthcoming season.

As soon as tickets are on sale for each of the games, we will announce.