[BFC SITE] REDS TO LEARN VERTU TROPHY GROUP OPPONENTS THIS WEEK

The Reds' 2025/26 Vertu Trophy group will be confirmed when the draw is made live on Sky Sports News at 2:30pm on Thursday 26 June.


Barnsley have been placed in Group D of the Northern Section alongside Lincoln City and Notts County, with one invited Premier League Under-21 side still to be drawn into the group. The invited clubs come from top-tier academies holding Category One status, with eight under-21 teams set to join the Northern half of the competition.

This year’s Vertu Trophy will once again see all 64 participating clubs – including 48 from Sky Bet League One and League Two – enter at the group stage. The competition structure is designed to reduce travel and maximise player recovery, with teams placed in regional groups of four.

2025/26 NORTHERN GROUP D:

• 
  Barnsley FC
  
  
• 
  Lincoln City
  
  
• 
  Notts County
  
  
• 
  One U21 side to be drawn
  

Group stage fixtures are due to begin in early September, with exact dates confirmed following the EFL’s Fixture Release Day on 26 June.

The top two sides from each group will advance to the knockout rounds, which will remain regionalised up to and including the Round of 16. Matches level after 90 minutes in the group stage and knockouts will go straight to penalties, with extra time only coming into play in the Final.

PRIZE FUND OVERVIEW:

• 
  £20,000 participation fee for EFL clubs
  
  
• 
  £10,000 for a win / £5,000 for a draw in group stages
  
  
• 
  £20,000 for a win in Round of 32
  
  
• 
  £40,000 for a win in Round of 16
  
  
• 
  £50,000 for a Quarter-Final win
  
  
• 
  £50,000 for the runners-up
  
  
• 
  £100,000 for the winners
  

Supporters will be able to watch every Vertu Trophy fixture live in the UK, thanks to the EFL’s broadcasting agreement with Sky Sports.

Further information, including fixture dates and ticket details, will be shared across our official channels once confirmed.

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Notts County away would be good for me, one I've not been to.

 

I want to see us go and have a real attempt at winning it this year. Last few years we’ve played all young kids, I’m not a fan of that. If you’re in a competition, no matter how big or small said competition is, you should aim to win it.

And although it’s not a major amount of cash but potential income from winning comp could be £260k.

 

Play the kids, insult of a comp.

 

Yes play the kids and concentrate on staying up

 

Might go to Lincoln away seeing as it's within walking distance. Although probably won't bother.

 

That plus ticket sales. Few big teams and a trip to Wembley would be a nice earner for the club

 

Train to Notts County sounds good too

 

Of those who would go to Wembley if we got there and played a league side. Would not, if it was against an U21s.

I'll probably go to the group and knock out stages. (U21s have to play all away) But not v U21s in the final. Even if it was free.

 

Hope to god we don't get Leeds U21's. I can't bear the thought of the stick I'd get if we lost to them.......

 

Excellent open air fanzone, great sausage.