Newcastle United have announced that our academy are establishing a ‘strategic relationship with NIFL Irish Premiership champions, Larne FC for the clubs to ‘collaborate across youth development’.
The link will allow for players to move between the clubs in either direction and for the sharing of knowledge across coach development, scouting and recruitment.
Larne are coming off the back of their most successful season in club history after winning the Premiership title for the first time 134 years.
Similar to Newcastle, the Northern Irish side have also put a lot of emphasis on women’s football, with Larne’s women’s team playing in the top tier last season after a number of promotions in the last five years.
Sporting director Dan Ashworth has praised the link, claiming that it will help to ‘support and sustain’ the future successes of both clubs. Here’s what Ashworth had to say on the link:
“We are very pleased to be working alongside Larne Football Club as we develop and expand our talent pathway.
“I have been hugely impressed by Kenny Bruce and his team, and this will be a great opportunity to share best practice and innovations that will benefit both clubs.
“Our next generations of talent will only support and sustain both clubs’ future successes and we look forward to supporting one another on our respective journeys.”
