Boreham Wood have been confirmed as one of two National League sides that will participate in the Irn Bru Scottish Challenge Cup next campaign.

Established in 1991, the Challenge Cup once featured exclusive Scottish representation comprising the 30 clubs in the Championship and Leagues One and Two.

However, since 2016/17 participation has grown to include representatives from the Highland and Lowland Leagues, a dozen Scottish Under-20 sides, and two each from the Welsh Premier League and League of Ireland Premier Division respectively.

Wood were selected alongside Sutton United last week as participants for 2018/19 after both clubs finished as the highest placed National League sides not to earn promotion last season.

As part of the non-Scottish contingent, Boreham Wood will enter the competition at the second round stage. The tournament in its entirety consists of six rounds.

Manager Luke Garrard expressed his excitement at the prospect of Boreham Wood testing themselves against new opposition from across the British Isles.

He said: “When it came about, it was a little bit surreal I’ve got to be honest, because there is the possibility of playing some of the best teams across Britain and Ireland.

“I think that it will give the players an added incentive and I am extremely excited that we have the luxury of possibly travelling to Ireland or Scotland for a fixture, I think that it is a huge achievement.”

SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster added: “The Irn-Bru Cup remains an innovative and evolving competition, and we are pleased to now extend a warm welcome to the National League and their representatives, Sutton United and Boreham Wood.”

Meanwhile, league title sponsors Vanarama have extended their deal with the National League for a further three seasons.

The successful partnership commenced in 2014 and will once again feature a TV rights package with BT Sport, ensuring fans will continue to have access to comprehensive match and highlights coverage as well as content online and on social media.