The young Magpies are one of 32 teams competing in the midweek competition, comprising of 16 under-21 teams participating in the Premier League 2 and 16 first-teams from clubs participating in the National League.

United's second-string were drawn alongside Boston United, FC Halifax Town, Gateshead and Scunthorpe United as well as Sunderland Under-21s, Middlesbrough Under-21s and defending champions Leeds United Under-21s in Group D.

United's second-string will travel to the Gateshead International Stadium to face the Heed in their opening fixture on the week commencing Monday, 11th August before taking on FC Halifax Town at The Shay on the week commencing Monday, 15th September.

Newcastle's youngsters will then face an away trip to Boston United at the Jakemans Community Stadium on the week commencing Monday, 20th October before facing newly-promoted National League side Scunthorpe United on the week commencing Monday, 24th November.

The competition will consist of a group stage (four groups of eight), with the two best-placed teams in each group advancing to a knock-out stage to determine the winner.

Newcastle's youngsters reached the quarter-finals of the competition last season, finishing in top spot of Group C after beating the likes of Halifax Town, Tamworth and Gateshead, before exiting at the last-eight stage via penalties against Altrincham after a 3-3 draw.