Edinburgh Monarchs confirm Academy team will return for 2024 NDL season

The Edinburgh Monarchs have confirmed that the club’s Academy side will compete in the third-tier National Development League once again in 2024.

It marks the fourth successive season that a Monarchs side have featured in the NDL - with a change being made prior to the 2023 campaign to switch the name from Armadale Devils to Edinburgh Monarchs Academy in order to strengthen the relationship between the sides.

That will remain the case in 2024 and Scott Wilson returns as manager.

The Academy will line-up in a six team league that will also feature Belle Vue, Leicester, Oxford, Redcar and a combined Scunthorpe and Sheffield team.

Wilson said: “I’m delighted that the National Development League has lived to fight another day. At Edinburgh we are well known for our commitment to youth development. I’m pleased that we remain involved in a league at this level.

“Lowering the points limit will hopefully make it easier for riders to break into the National Development League which I believe is a good thing, British speedway needs to keep that production line switched on.”

The points limit has been set at 36 with meetings to continue under the same format and scoring system as the senior leagues. However, there will be no play-offs in 2024 - meaning the team who finishes top of the table will be crowned NDL champions.

In a change to encourage youth development, the entry criteria for riders has been set so that no rider with a 4.00 or above average in the Championship will be eligible for an NDL team place.

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