ACT Aces batsman Owen Chivers says the introduction of the new representative team provides another development pathway for Canberra cricketers.
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The Aces will take on the South Coast Crew in the opening round of the Plan B Regional Bash at Manuka Oval on Sunday.
The Plan B Regional Bash is a new Twenty20 knockout competition to be played by 16 franchises across regional NSW and the ACT, culminating in the finals gala day at the SCG on December 6. The competition replaces the SCG Country Cup.
The Aces are made up of the best players in the ACT Premier Cricket first-grade competition who are not involved with the ACT Comets.
Seven of the eight clubs are represented, with Eastlake - who have won five of their six games across the T20 and one-day formats this summer - the only club to miss out.
Chivers said the Aces would provide players with the opportunity to play at a higher level.
"It's a step up from what we play week in, week out with grade cricket," Chivers said. "It's definitely nice to be recognised.
"It gives us an insight into the next level up and gives us something to aim for and trying to improve our game."
Weston Creek Molonglo all-rounder Harry Medhurst will captain the Aces.
There is a mixture of youth and experience, with promising 16-year-old Daniel Leerdam continuing to impress after captaining the under-17 ACT/NSW Country team at the national championships.
Former ACT Comets representative Randall Starr has taken on the coaching duties for the Aces, who will use a pink ball in their first game.
"That's something's a bit new for everyone," Starr said. "It's a very strong squad and a number of guys will use this opportunity to push for the Comets in the next couple of years."
Meanwhile, the ACT Meteors will be aiming to keep their faint WNCL finals hopes alive this weekend when they take on Western Australia Fury and South Australia Scorpions in Melbourne.
The Meteors are fourth on the table after winning one of their opening three games in Brisbane earlier this month.
"Our first round was a little disappointing," all-rounder Erin Osborne said.
"We started off really well in all three games, but unfortunately we weren't able to capitalise on those starts.
"The break has allowed us to review the games and see what we need to improve in the following games."
