RANGERS Academy will enter an Under-19s side into the Otten Innovation Cup at PSV Campus De Herdgang this year, kicking off on Friday afternoon.
The prestigious youth competition – celebrating its 73rd edition this year - returns after a three-year hiatus and will utilise a range of innovative and exciting rules during match play.
The tournament has gained international fame as a stage where stars of the future have showcased their ability, with former graduates including Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku, David Luiz, Memphis Depay, Wesley Sneijder, Hulk, Mario Gomez and Georginio Wijnaldum.
The young Gers have been drawn into Group A alongside RSC Anderlecht, Red Bull Bragantino and FC Utrecht in the eight-team tournament, with PSV Eindhoven, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, FC Copenhagen and Manchester United competing in Group B.
Players born on or after January 1 2005 are eligible to take part, with a maximum of four overaged squad members permitted. However, the average age of all the players in total must be under 19.
Matches will be comprised two 25-minute halves, with the match clock stopped when the ball is not active.
Notably, kick-ins and dribble-ins will replace throw-ins, while players are permitted to dribble directly from free-kicks as opposed to passing to a teammate.
A five-minute sin bin will be introduced for players who receive a yellow card, while teams are permitted to use a substitute after ten minutes should a player receive two yellow cards and is sent off.
The Light Blues will open their tournament against RSC Anderlecht on Friday afternoon, before a double-header the following day against FC Utrecht and Red Bull Bragantino.
A penalty shootout will be used to determine placings if teams are level on both points and goal difference in the group stages.
The semi-final and final will take place on Sunday, with the final tournament placings to be determined by matches between teams in corresponding positions in their respective groups.
Tickets are available to purchase directly through the Otten Innovation Cup website here, while RangersTV will also bring you comprehensive pre-match, in-game, and post-match coverage of the Light Blues’ exploits in Eindhoven.
FIXTURES (ALL TIMES IN GMT)
Friday August 18
Rangers v RSC Anderlecht – 2pm
Saturday August 19
Rangers v FC Utrecht – 9am
Rangers v Red Bull Bragantino – 1pm
Sunday August 20
Knockout Phase
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