Scottish Challenge Cup and loans changes to tackle ‘alarming trend’
He said the report “not only gives young players a shocking trend of getting shorter and shorter game times” but “includes a range of practical solutions that have proven to work in leagues around the world” .
The domestic loan quota will have greater flexibility next season, with players aged 16-21 who are eligible to represent the Scottish national team at lower-grade clubs and will be able to move between the two clubs throughout the season to increase the game time.
Meanwhile, the direct knockout format of the Challenge Cup will be changed, currently known as SPFL Trust Trophy, which has featured the Premiership B team since 2019.
More details of the new “League Stage Format” have not been announced, but Maxwell added: “We look forward to seeing young Scottish players provide a platform to unquestionably opportunities and realize their potential with greater opportunities .”
SPFL CEO Neil Doncaster hopes that the changes can help others follow in the footsteps of Motherwell’s Lennon Miller and Kilmarnock’s David Watson, who have become Premier League clubs in recent seasons as teenagers.
“Our new Challenge Cup format will provide young Scottish players with more opportunities than any previous matches,” he said.
