RANGERS Academy can today confirm it has entered into loan co-operation agreements with Queen’s Park of the Scottish Championship and Alloa Athletic of League One ahead of this season.
The system, which was introduced prior to the last campaign, provides greater flexibility to the previous domestic loan quotas by 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.
Alongside a partnership with Queen's Park for the first time, the Gers will link up with Alloa Athletic once again after a fruitful season last time out around, with Calum Adamson, Lewis Stewart and Josh Gentles spending time with the Wasps.
Stewart was named Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year for the League One side, while he also featured on the substitutes bench for Rangers in the UEFA Europa League.
Likewise, Adamson enjoyed a strong campaign in midfield and featured over 30 times for the Wasps alongside his involvement in first-team squads both domestically and in Europe.
Interim Head of Academy, David McCallum, commented: “We’re really excited to enter into a loan co-operation agreement with Queen’s Park for the first time while also building on last season’s successful partnership with Alloa Athletic.
“The co-operation system allows us to move our young players back and forward so they get a varied experience between competitive football while also maintaining their contact with the first-team and competing to play as a young Rangers player.
“Our experience with Alloa last year showed the real value these partnerships can have, providing our young players with an excellent environment to experience senior football and allowing us to work closely with a club that shares our commitment to player development.
“Throughout their loan spells our players will continue to have regular contact with our staff, while Brian Gilmour will work closely with both clubs and the players to monitor their progress, provide ongoing support and ensure every loan is delivering the right development opportunities.”
Rangers Academy is proudly sponsored by Carrick Packaging
FREE DAY AT RANGERS SOCCER ACADEMY: Secure your FREE one-day place at the Kellogg's Football Camps with Rangers Soccer Academy
ASK RANGERS: A dedicated platform where fans can access essential Q&As on ticketing, VIP hospitality and MyGers, and contact our Supporter Services team
RANGERS MUSEUM AND STADIUM TOURS: Experience the magic of Ibrox Stadium, with your very own ‘access all areas’ pass