- Młoda Ekstraklasa
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Młoda Ekstraklasa (Polish pronunciation: [ˈmwɔda ɛkstraˈklasa], official abbreviation MESA [Polish pronunciation: [ˈmɛsa] or (rarely) [ˈɛm ˈɛ ˈɛs ˈa]]) is a Polish youth football league composed of the top youth teams of the 16 Ekstraklasa sides. It is contested by players 21 years of age and under, however, each side is allowed three players over the age limit (for the 2007/2008 season: players born January 1, 1986 and after). No player may be under the age of 16. In general, the matches take place a day after the two clubs' first teams have faced off, however the venues are switched. The team with the most points at the end of the season receives the title of Młoda Ekstraklasa Champion.
The games are organized with the aim of encouraging enhanced scouting and youth development in Poland and to provide regular competitive games for young players who often struggle to get playing time in the first team.
In the first ever game, played on July 28, 2007 at the Stadion Śląski in Chorzów, Ruch Chorzów fell to visiting Dyskobolia Grodzisk (1:2). Ruch's Łukasz Janoszka scored the first ever goal.
On May 18, 2008 Wisła Kraków clinched the first title, with a 1:0 win at home against runners-up Korona Kielce. Marcin Wodecki of Górnik Zabrze was the top goalscorer with 17 goals, closely followed by Artur Sobiech of Ruch Chorzów with 16.
External links
Categories:- Football in Poland
- Polish football competition stubs
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