A total of 24 teams are split regionally into north and south leagues.The format was changed completely this season.
The Professional Development League is the sixth campaign of post-EPPP Under-23 football's second tier, designed for those academies with Category 2 status.
At the end of the season, the teams finishing in the top two positions of both divisions will meet in the knockout stage to determine the overall league champion.
Burnley U18s[1] were officially granted Category 2 status in the summer of 2017 and became the league's 21st team.
Burnley U18s would be promoted to Category 2 Academy status before this season to join the U18 Professional Development League 2.