[1] Manchester United were the defending champions after defeating Nottingham Forest 3–1 in the 2022 final.
[2] West Ham United won their fourth Youth Cup title, their first since 1999, defeating Arsenal 5–1 in the final at Emirates Stadium.
30 teams withdrew from the competition resulting in walkovers, while Woodford Town was removed from the tournament on appeal for using an ineligible player.
Reading City was removed from the competition for fielding an ineligible player,[6] and Lancaster City was removed for an unknown appeal.
Only Wycombe Wanderers and Crawley Town did not participate in the first round as they did not apply.
Salford City and Barrow were originally drawn, but Barrow withdrew from the first round so Salford City won 3–0 on a walkover.
The draw to determine the home team was made on 24 February 2023.