For the Royals, four teenagers—including Caylan Vickers, who scored the only goal—and three 20-somethings lined up.
As Reading defeated Cheltenham 1-0 in League One, manager Ruben Selles praised the "intensity" of his youthful players.
Four youngsters and three players under the age of 20 made up Selles' starting lineup. Caylan Vickers, age 18, scored the game-winning goal in the 33rd minute.
Vickers' frantic run from deep came to an end as Cheltenham midfielder Will Ferry's looping rebound arced over goalkeeper Luke Southwood and into his own goal.
Reading had not won in the league in 16 games across two divisions when they were relegated.
Selles declared, "I'm quite proud of the performance the team put together. "I chose the team because we understood we had to play with that level of energy.
"Especially in the first half, we were right where we wanted to be. The crew exhibited character, camaraderie, and how we operate around here.
"We have been discussing the young players throughout the entire preseason, and they have been working well right away.
"We were frustrated by the club's behavior when we tried to sign fresh players. Therefore, we must make use of the people we already have who have proven their worth.
"It doesn't matter if you're 18 or 32; as long as you follow the rules, you win this team's championship.
"We needed to develop a strategy that would demonstrate our uniqueness, and I believe we did that.
"We chose to play against the squad that can compete more fiercely, and this is the first league victory for us this year.
"We take that feeling and that happiness home with us."
Cheltenham, a struggling team, has gone scoreless in all four of its league and cup games this year.
Wade Elliott, the head coach, said: "I thought we played exceptionally well in the second half.
"I didn't think there was much at stake in the first half, but some of the breaks that are working against us, like the own goal, are difficult.
"However, I was quite pleased with the effort in the second half. Everything was left on the field by the players.
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