A better chance for football youngsters to make the grade
Junior club and community outfit join forces to develop stars of future
A community football club has teamed up with a local Junior side to offer boys a pathway to the senior game.
East Calder Community Football Club announced the formal partnership with Livingston United on Sunday.
United have applied to join the East of Scotland League for the 2021/22 season which would see them move into the senior ranks, and in partnership with East Calder CFC will create a new Livingston United under- 20s development squad for that season.
The under-20s will lead on from the current East Calder under-19 age group to create a clear pathway for East Calder while also allowing Livingston United to partner with a growing community club.
East Calder CFC chairman Robbie Brownright said: “We both feel, especially in these times of uncertainty, that this is a huge step forward in securing the long-term plans and goals for both clubs while creating a strong footballing partnership for the clubs to build on. The partnership opens gateways to funding opportunities to develop both East Calder CFC and Livingston United FC facilities in the future. Both clubs have strong community support behind them, and we have no doubt this will be a positive move for football in West Lothian.
“We look forward to developing the relationship with Livingston United FC and are excited to give our players a pathway which follows on from youth football.”
Livingston United manager Andy Malone said: “We have been working on this for the last six to eight months and I am really delighted to get it announced.
“The way I look at it a manager’s job is not just turning up and picking the team on a Saturday. I want this club to progress and have a youth set-up.
“Scottish football as a whole needs to work on developing youths and we think this will offer local kids in West Lothian a real pathway.
“It is massive to get this in place and East Calder FC are the perfect partner. I have been liaising with the chairman, Robbie, and manager Davie Walls, and they are on the same wavelength as me.
“With us moving up to the senior ranks next season having a set-up like this in place is crucial.
“We just want to give kids the opportunity so working alongside East Calder was a no brainer for me really.”
Scottish football as a whole needs to work on developing youths