The Tottenham Hotspur Development Squad consist of mainly young players under the age of 21 who have signed professional contracts, many of whom have progressed through Tottenham's youth academy. The reserves in recent times have been known as the Development Squad to reflect the purpose of producing players for the first team. Though matches are billed as under 21, three overage players are allowed which gives the club the opportunity to give senior squad players a chance to play and keep or build up match fitness, often following an injury.