Inverness Athletic and Balloan Football Club create partnership
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North Caledonian League outfit Inverness Athletic have signed a partnership with Inverness youth outfit Balloan Football Club.
The newly created link-up between the two clubs aims to provide young footballers in Inverness a pathway from playing under-10 football all the way to playing senior level in the NCL.
Balloan was formed in 1990, offering children from the age of nine the chance to participate in football.
Over the last 30 years, the club has grown to having 160 players and having eight teams competing at various age groups.
Balloan FC spokesman James Fraser says they are pleased to join forces with Inverness Athletic and increase the chances of their youngsters playing football as they grow up.
He said: “This link between the two clubs now means that we can offer players a pathway from the age of nine all the way up to playing adult football, which can only be a good thing.
“We are looking forward to working with Inverness Athletic over the coming years to help develop the vast amount of talented young footballers in the Inverness area.”
Inverness Athletic announced last month it was also establishing an under-20 squad to play in the North of Scotland Under-20 League.
Inverness Athletic chairman Sandy Stephen says joining forces with Balloan shows how they are committed to providing opportunities for youngsters in Inverness to progress their football careers.
Speaking about the deal, he said: “To create a partnership with one of the largest youth football clubs in Inverness shows our club’s desire to give youth a chance.
“Balloan FC are a fantastically well-run youth club who pride themselves on helping young players grow, not only as footballers but as people too.”
He added: “This shows the club’s commitment to helping develop players in Inverness and is another big step forward for our young club.”
Read today's full Inverness Courier by clicking here.
