RANGERS Academy can today confirm it has entered into a co-operation agreement with Raith Rovers of the Scottish Championship, Alloa Athletic of League One, and Stirling Albion of League Two.
The move comes following the new Scottish FA initiative, enabling players in the key ‘transition phase’ of age 16-21, who are eligible to represent the Scotland national teams, to join a lower-league club but be able to move between the parent and co-operation club throughout the season to increase playing time.
In the meantime, the Academy’s Under-19s side will compete in the nine-team CAS Elite Under-19 League, with the Gers squaring off against Hearts at the Rangers Training Centre, the side’s designated home ground for the season, in their opening fixture.
As per league rules, several overage players will be eligible to participate, with matches taking place on a Monday, as opposed to the previous Friday slot, to allow clubs to expose young players to the senior environment at the weekend and still include those who have had limited minutes on the Monday.
Alongside the side’s league commitments, the Under-19s will compete in the revamped KDM Evolution Trophy, where the inaugural league phase has pitted the young Gers with away trips to face Stenhousemuir, Stranraer, Queen of the South, Annan Athletic, Dumbarton and Hamilton Academical.
In addition, the Under-19s will compete in the Glasgow Cup, a trophy in which they have lifted on the last two occasions, and, should the first-team qualify for the UEFA Champions League League Phase, the corresponding UEFA Youth League.
Meanwhile, the club’s Under-17s side will also compete in the CAS Elite Under-17 league, which kicks off on Friday, August 15, alongside their participation in the CAS Elite Under-17 League Cup.
The traditional Scottish Youth Cup, of which the young Gers were most recently winners in 2024, will retain its Under-18 age status and involve a combination of players between the Under-19 and Under-17 age group.
As well as the domestic commitments of both sides, their respective games programme will be augmented by participation in tournaments across the globe and challenge matches against teams from around the continent.
In addition, the Academy are delighted to announce its continued partnership with Carrick Packaging, with the Glasgow-based manufacturer of steel drums, IATA cans, and plastic containers extending its collaboration with the club and continuing as the front-of-shirt partner for the season.
Sporting Director, Kevin Thelwell, commented: “We are pleased to enter a co-operation agreement with Raith Rovers, Alloa Athletic and Stirling Albion ahead of the upcoming campaign.
“The increased flexibility in the loan system has proved effective across Europe and allows us to maximise the potential of our youngsters with the ultimate ambition of producing players equipped with the necessary technical, tactical and mental qualities to succeed in the Rangers first-team.
“Each of the clubs share our commitment to developing young talent, as evidenced by Josh Gentles’ increased first-team exposure following his loan spell at Alloa Athletic in the second half of last season, and we look forward to benefitting from the agreement throughout the campaign.
“Allied to our loan agreements is the participation of our Under-19s and Under-17s in various competitions, both domestically and in European tournament competition, which we believe provides strong foundations in facilitating the development of our young players at the Academy."
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