BUDDING young footballers could soon be pulling on the strip of their hometown club through a new partnership.
Tranent Colts and Tranent Juniors have linked up to form an under-20s team, which will play in the Scottish Lowlands Development Football League (SLDFL) next season.
It is hoped that the creation of the team, managed by Kevin Bathgate, will help provide a pathway for young footballers to break into the first team at the title-chasing East of Scotland Football League Premier Division side.
A joint statement released by the two clubs said: “Tranent Juniors and Tranent Colts are delighted to formally announce their partnership and planned formation of an U20s team to compete in the Scottish Lowlands Development League next season.
“Both teams have been working closely over a number of years to create a clear player pathway for youth players to progress to adult football and the current Colts U19s team will move to Tranent Juniors to form the basis of their new U20 team.
“With some U19 players having already been involved with the first team in training and friendly matches, it is exciting to see this partnership flourish, further enhancing both clubs’ development ethos.
“We look forward to establishing this U20s development team in the coming months and forming the foundation for future youth players to progress to adult football.”
The SLDFL is split into six separate conferences across Scotland’s Central Belt, Fife and Ayrshire.
East Lothian is already represented, with Preston Athletic topping Conference B having lost just two games this season, and Musselburgh Athletic on their heels in second spot.
Tranent Colts are currently home to about 350 players, ranging in age from two to 19, and Michael Dick, secretary of the club, was keen to see those youngsters represent the town at a senior level.
He has been involved with the club for about 15 years and described the prospect of youngsters making their way into the senior team as “tremendous”.
He said: “It just shows to every player at the club that there is a pathway right through to adult football from starting out as a two-year-old.
“If they are good enough, they will progress through that pathway into Tranent Juniors.
“There are also options to go into other adult football, like the amateurs, where we have got links as well.”
Former Tranent Primary School and Ross High School pupil Ben Miller began his senior career at Berwick Rangers before moving to his home town.
The 27-year-old has been part of the Foresters Park side’s squad since 2015 and has enjoyed the club’s journey from the Junior ranks to the Seniors and has even scored for them in the Scottish Cup.
He said: “I’ve said before, my family is from Tranent.
“My mum is from Tranent and my aunties are from Tranent as well. It means everything when you play and we’ve won so much.
“Obviously, it is down to the hard-working committee, not just myself, but it is good for Tranent that we can see boys progressing.”
Meanwhile, Haddington Athletic also hopes for an under-20s team to be entered into the competition.
A spokesman for the club confirmed “moves are afoot”, with steps being taken to see the team and management put in place.
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