In the early 1950s, reserve teams were incorporated into the third tier of the senior Scottish Football League, with Motherwell 'A' taking part for six seasons of the arrangement.

[6] At the end of its first season (2018–19) several clubs intimated that they would withdraw from the Reserve League to play a variety of challenge matches,[7] but Motherwell were one of those who chose to remain.

In the 2018–19 edition, with the age now changed to under-21s, Motherwell reached the quarter-final stage, the best performance by a 'colt' team up to that point, losing 2–1 to eventual winners Ross County.

[12] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

[14] From 2013 the director was former Motherwell captain Scott Leitch,[15] later being replaced by Steven Hammell who also had the same role as a player until his retirement.

[16] In 2017, the Motherwell academy was one of eight across the country designated 'elite' status on the introduction of Project Brave, an SFA initiative to concentrate the development of the best young players at a smaller number of clubs with high quality facilities and coaching than was previously the case.