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 Halifax Town, Tamworth, Boston United and Gateshead, as well as Sunderland Under-21s, Middlesbrough Under-21s and Leeds United Under-21s in Group C of the inaugural tournament.

United's second-string will travel to The Shay to face Halifax Town in their opening fixture on Tuesday, 1 October (kick-off 7pm BST) before taking on Tamworth at the Lamb Ground on Tuesday, 5 November (kick-off 7.45pm GMT).

Newcastle's youngsters will then face an away trip to Boston United at the Jakemans Community Stadium on Tuesday, 3 December (kick-off 7.30pm GMT) before taking on Gateshead at the Gateshead International Stadium on Tuesday, 21 January (kick 7.45pm GMT).

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.

The competition offers an opportunity for National League clubs to play regular matches against the best under-21 teams in England at their own stadia, with this additional exposure intended to improve the playing and spectator experience. National League clubs will also keep all gate receipts from these fixtures.