Previously, the league in which the Chelsea Academy’s development squad competes has been for under-23 players.The Premier League explains that: ‘The amendment to the age limit has been introduced as part of an ongoing review of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) to better align with the EFL Trophy and international competitions.‘The rule change is designed to reflect the reality of the players in the competition, whose average [age] is currently 19.’A limited number of over-age players are permitted to appear in PL2 games and that limit which was three outfield players is being increased to five. One over-age goalkeeper is also allowed. This change is in order to transition from the under-23 format.In preparation for the new PL2 season which kicks off the first weekend in August, our development squad’s pre-season fixtures are as follows:Saturday 9 July v FC Koln (home)Saturday 16 July v Boreham Wood (away) 3pmTuesday 26 July v Swansea (home)Saturday 30 July v Bromley (away) 3pmPlease note that matches marked as being at home will be played at Cobham with no spectators admitted.