Falkirk FC to relaunch academy

Falkirk FC are to relaunch their academy next season. 

It closed down in 2017 due to cost-cutting measures.

The Bairns will play top-flight football next season, after winning the Championship title. 

Head of Academy Tony Begg has confirmed the club’s entry into the Scottish FA’s Club Academy Scotland structure at Performance Level, beginning next season:

“I am delighted that Falkirk’s Academy is returning. Performance Level status will bring the Falkirk Academy back to a similar level in Scotland’s Academy system prior to its closure.

“We will now create teams from Under-11 to Under-19 level by July, which means signing over 100 players and hiring several qualified coaches and other support, such as physiotherapists and performance specialists.

“The Academy will play at Performance Level against clubs such as Ayr United, Dundee, Dunfermline Athletic, Livingston, Greenock Morton, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Partick Thistle, Ross County, and St Johnstone, with home matches taking place at the Falkirk Stadium.”

Falkirk FC Chief Executive Jamie Swinney welcomed the return of the Academy, stating:

“The First Team’s success has given the club its heart back — the Academy returns its soul. Re-establishing the Academy has been a priority raised continuously by our supporters. Our aim was to get into the Premiership and bring back our Academy in time for our 150th anniversary.

“This is, however, a significant financial commitment. We can afford to operate an Academy in the Premiership, but it requires long-term support. The refusal of Premiership clubs to share UEFA solidarity payments with the Championship has made youth development at that level extremely difficult.

“Falkirk Supporters’ Society members expressed a preference to commit 30% of its subscriptions to the Academy, which gave us confidence that now is the right time.

“The cost to re-establish the Academy at CAS Performance Level is £320,000. While we expect some SFA funding under the next triennial cycle, it will fall on the club, our fans, and commercial partners to ensure long-term sustainability and growth toward Performance (Progressive) Level.

“We are already in talks over exciting sponsorship opportunities. Many local businesses have told us they want to be involved in youth football — now is the time. Contact our commercial team and be part of our journey.”