Latest news with #young talent
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Burke moves on loan as Kilmarnock confirm Queen of South partnership
Kilmarnock have entered into a cooperation agreement with Queen of the part of the partnership, 16-year-old midfielder Cole Burke, son of former Rangers and Kilmarnock winger Chris, will join the Palmerston side on a flexible agreement comes following the introduction of a Scottish FA initiative, which is aiming to improve the development of young domestic this month, Kilmarnock announced a similar player development partnership with fourth-tier Annan Athletic.
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Wellington Phoenix youngsters impress Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has been impressed by the A-League and believes several players could make their mark in Europe in the future. Wrexham finished their pre-season tour down under with a 1-0 loss to Wellington Phoenix on Saturday night. First-team newcomer Luke Flowerdew scored just after half time to give the vastly inexperienced home side the victory. The Phoenix played mostly their reserve and academy players in the second half, and Parkinson couldn't help but be impressed by what he saw. Wellington Phoenix player Luke Supyk in action against Wrexham. Photo: Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT "The youngsters, similar to the Sydney game [which Wrexham lost], have so much enthusiasm and energy about them," he said. All three teams they played in Australasia over the past week have introduced many of their young reserves and Parkinson felt the A-League was developing quality players. "The athleticism and pace has stood out to us, and that's what you need, as you progress up the leagues," he said. "It looks like the A-League is producing some young talent, which is fantastic. "The key is run and power. Young players may lack the strength and physicality at this moment to play in Europe, but their ability to cover the ground quickly was there for all to see." Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson was impressed by young A-League talent. Photo: Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano was buzzing about the season ahead, following the result. The Phoenix struggled last A-League season, finishing 11th, with six wins from 26 games. Italiano took time out during the off-season to self-reflect, which helped, but he still had some doubts, when he returned to camp. "The feeling I had coming into pre-season was a little bit apprehensive," he said. However, Italiano wanted and got the reaction he needed from the players. "It was a tough year last year, with a lot of learnings, but from day one, every training session that we've had has been energetic. There have been no excuses from the team, they've been fully focussed." Wrexham fans show their support far from home. Photo: RNZ / MARK PAPALII Meanwhile former Phoenix player Liberato Cacace will join Wrexham this week to prepare for the English Championship, which is just three weeks away. Wrexham confirmed the signing of the 24-year-old over the weekend, from Italian side Empoli. Parkinson liked "his attitude and desire". "He's got the running power and speed, which you need in the Championship, so he ticks a lot of good boxes." Wrexham open their English Championship at Southampton on 9 August. The A-League season is scheduled to start in October. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
BBC News
15-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
'Key step forward' as St Mirren confirm player development partnerships
St Mirren have announced strategic partnerships with League Two side Dumbarton and Lowland League club Clydebank as part of the Scottish FA's new cooperation initiative was passed earlier this year to help improve player development in Scotland by providing more opportunities for young Mirren say the system allows them to "place a maximum of three players, who are eligible to play for Scotland and are under the age of 21, on a cooperation list". These players are then able to move freely between St Mirren, Dumbarton and part of the agreement, Buddies youngsters Carrick McEvoy, Thomas Falconer and Theo McCormick have all joined Dumbarton, while Billy Hutchison will link up with Mirren manager Stephen Robinson said: "I firmly believe in the loan system to develop our young players and something that hindered that previously was not being able to bring them back at certain stages or leaving yourself short in numbers."With the cooperation agreement, we are able to get them into men's football to develop under other coaches. Hopefully, we can also help the coaches and the clubs they are going to. It will be a great benefit for both parties."St Mirren chief operating officer Keith Lasley added: "As per the Scottish FA's transition report, it has been shown, as a country, that we need to try and produce more young footballers for the national team."From a club point of view, it's something we want to do as well. We see these cooperation agreements as a key step forward in allowing us to be more strategic in our planning and think long-term rather than what has been traditionally a short-term, reactive process."
