Bermuda Football Association's Player Development League will begin its second season today with eight teams involved in the 17-week season.

Martonmere Cup champions Dandy Town will be back to defend their crown against the likes of PHC and Devonshire Cougars. In all six teams from the top flight have opted to enter the league, with Somerset Trojans and Social Club representing the First Division.

Trojans open the league today against PHC at BFA Field at 3 pm, with Social Club taking on St George's in an opening day double-header.

Tomorrow there will be two games at BAA Field, between North Village and St David's (1 pm) and Dandy Town against Devonshire Cougars at 3 pm.

After tomorrow, the rest of the league games between now and the final weekend on March 5 will be played at BFA Field.

Following the completion of the league schedule, the Martonmere Cup will start on March 12 with finals being played on March 25.

While last season's PDL experiement was less than perfect, the BFA are hoping that the league will continue to bridge the gap for players who are not yet ready for their club's first team.

"The objective is to provide another division for those players not quite ready to break into the clubs Premier or First Division team or for those players too old to compete in the youth leagues," said a BFA statement.

"The PDL was also formed as an avenue for keeping players between the ages of 18-23 years involved in the game as we all can attest to the fact that it is generally accepted that this age group is more vulnerable to leaving football for a variety of reasons."