The Evo-Stik League Northern Premier

Stoke City’s U21s are calling Nantwich Town’s Weaver Stadium home for the inaugural season of the Premier League Under 21 League.

The Potters' decision to plump for the Evo-Stik NPL Premier ground sees them kick off their Group 2 fixtures with a tough encounter against Manchester United next Saturday.

Admission is free for the 11am kick off and also for Stoke’s 11 other games at the stadium. Their remaining four fixtures will be played at their own Britannia Stadium.

Tottenham, Southampton and Aston Villa are all due to play at the Dabbers ground before Christmas and Nantwich Chairman Jon Gold said: "It’s a terrific honour that Stoke City have chosen the Weaver Stadium to host their U21 Premier League games and we’re delighted to welcome them."

He added: "We’ve been working closely with Stoke to make the necessary arrangements and it’s very exciting that it has now come to fruition."

The competition was set up after a major shake-up of youth development and has been devised by the Premier League to bridge the gap between Academy sides and first teamers with three over-age players allowed to play.

Stoke City's Director of Youth Terry Robinson said: "We’re looking forward to using the Weaver Stadium as our base. The facilities and pitch are excellent and I’m sure it will prove to be the ideal venue for what is bound to be an exciting new league.

"It’s in the Stoke catchment area and we also want to give fans in Nantwich and surrounding districts the chance to come along and watch a Stoke City team free of charge. We can’t wait to get started with the game against Manchester United."