Colchester United will host West Ham U21s in this season's EFL Trophy group stages.
West Ham were drawn in Southern Section Group One, meaning a home game for the U's against the Hammers' youngsters.
Portsmouth and Southend make up the four team group, with the first round of matches due to be played during the week commencing 7th September.
The second and third matches will take place at the beginnning of October and November respectively, with the top two in each group going through to the knock-out rounds.