East Seniors under-19s expanding

THE committee of the East of Scotland Seniors under-19 League are delighted that, after some hard graft, their League number is set to more than double.

Set up as an extension to the East of Scotland Football League as part of the clubs' youth policies, it was hoped the under-19s would be a conveyor belt of talent ready to supplement the Senior teams.

However, over the last couple of years, numbers have dwindled dramatically until an all-time low this season, with only four teams remaining at the close of play.

But all that is to change next season with ten clubs already committing themselves to the programme.

After a lot of hard work by the committee, the League is set to have ten teams – Edinburgh City, Spartans, Civil Service Strollers, Tynecastle, Heriot-Watt University, Leith Athletic, Coldstream, Gala Fairydean (established East Seniors clubs) and, in a surprising addition, Tranent and Edinburgh United from the Junior ranks.

The League say that they insist that pitches and referees are of a higher quality than those of other associations so the players can get accustomed for playing at a higher grade when over 19.

There is also the added bonus that teams that meet certain criteria can participate in the SFA Scottish Youth Cup, which Celtic won on Wednesday night by beating Rangers 2-0 in the final at Hampden.

Applications to join the League will be considered up to 15 June and any club interested should contact Secretary Gary McClelland at: [email protected] or phone [phone].