The eight-team group also consists of fellow newly-promoted side Hornchurch, National League South outfit Braintree Town and Scott Davies’ Aldershot Town.
Despite the fact Adam Hinshelwood’s side will be competing against those senior teams to finish inside the top two of the group, it won’t be in a direct manner. The National League South champions will only play four group games – all against U21 outfits once a month during midweek slots.
Our opening match of the competition sees a repeat of last summer’s first friendly, as West Ham U21s visit the Sussex Transport Community Stadium in less than a fortnight’s time on Tuesday 18 August.
The following month, the Reds welcome the burgeoning talent of Norwich City to West Sussex at the start of September, before the Canaries’ fierce rivals Ipswich Town make the trip from Suffolk to the South Coast midway through October.
A battle with Fulham U21s concludes our group stage fixtures in November, with the knockout matches should the Reds progress commencing in the New Year.
Fixtures in Full
Worthing FC v West Ham United U21s – Tuesday 18 August 2026 (19:30 KO)
Worthing FC v Norwich City U21s – Tuesday 8 September 2026 (19:30 KO)
Worthing FC v Ipswich Town U21s – Tuesday 13 October 2026 (19:45 KO)
Worthing FCv Fulham PL2 – Tuesday 3 November 2026 (19.45 KO)
Please note these fixtures are kick-off timings are subject to change.
The Club have decided to align the match prices for these group stage matches with our pre-season friendlies, with supporters able to watch senior football at Woodside at a reduced price.
Prices
Adults – £10.00
Concessions/ Under 22 – £6.00
Under 7: £1.00
Tickets will be released in due course through FanBase alongside communication from the Club.
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗