EDINBURGH United juniors have joined forces with ambitious youth outfit Pentland Panthers in a move which it's hoped will help the development of young players and establish the Paties Road side as a force in the junior game.
United will drop the word 'Junior' from their name in the coming season while all of Panthers' sides from under-13 through to under-17 will play under the Edinburgh banner.
Panthers' younger seven-a-side teams will continue in their current forma
t but will also have the association with Edinburgh United Football Club.
Edinburgh, the Capital's only junior football team, has worked hard to generate interest in the club for a number of years and it's hoped that this venture will improve their fortunes both on and off the pitch.
And Edinburgh United President Alan Forest revealed today that it's an exciting time for both organisations. "The amalgamation will allow the football club to put in place a structure that will allow Edinburgh United to deliver a pathway for young footballers from youth level through to Junior Football level," enthused Forest.
"The amalgamation will also contribute significantly to the future sustainability of the football club. It's very exciting."
Pentland Panthers President, Barry Campbell, meanwhile, was equally pleased about the link-up which could eventually see the club enter the SFA's prestigious Quality Mark project.
"The Panthers are honoured and delighted at the amalgamation of this emerging Youth Football Club with such an established Junior Club as Edinburgh United," he said.
"We have been very impressed with the ambitious and positive approach demonstrated by everyone at Edinburgh United. The Panthers are proud of our achievements within the local community since our formation in 2003 and we are delighted that the 'Panther' identity is being retained for the Youth Development age groups.
"This is a positive step forward by both clubs which will allow Edinburgh United the opportunity to offer participation in football to all age groups within the local community."
Alan Miller, Edinburgh boss, added: "This is an avenue that we at Edinburgh have been keen to go down for some time.
"We feel that the introduction of this youth element puts us in a far stronger position to make a contribution to the local community and will encourage interest in the club."
• DALKEITH THISTLE entertain Bonnyrigg Rose in the League Cup this evening, kick-off 7pm.
The full article contains 401 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
