Falkirk Football Club is pleased to announce a new co-operation agreement with Lowland League side East Stirlingshire Football Club, creating a pathway that will support the development of young players through increased first-team opportunities.
The agreement, a first for Falkirk under the Scottish FA’s Co-operation System, will allow selected Falkirk players to gain valuable senior experience with East Stirlingshire while continuing their development at Falkirk. The arrangement provides greater flexibility for players to benefit from regular competitive football while remaining part of the Falkirk first-team environment.
The partnership will begin with Modern Apprentices Joe Hastings, Kai Brown, and Kalvin Bennett joining East Stirlingshire, while remaining available for selection in Falkirk Academy and first team squads. The trio will continue to train within Falkirk’s performance environment while benefiting from regular competitive football as they take the next step in their development.
The co-operation agreement has been established to provide young players with meaningful senior minutes in a competitive environment, supporting their progression while maintaining close links between both clubs.
Tony Begg, Falkirk FC Head of Academy, said:
“We’re delighted to establish this partnership with East Stirlingshire. With our Academy now fully implemented, this is the next stage in creating a strong pathway for our young players as they make the change from academy football into the senior game.
“The jump into first-team football is one of the biggest steps in a player’s development, so it’s important that we provide the right environment to help them make that transition successfully. Joe, Kai and Kalvin have all shown excellent commitment and attitude during their time with the Academy and first team, and this opportunity will allow them to challenge themselves while continuing to receive support from our coaching staff.
“Working closely with East Stirlingshire means we can monitor their progress while giving them the chance to gain valuable senior experience in a competitive environment. We’d like to thank everyone at East Stirlingshire for working with us to create a partnership that will benefit both clubs and, most importantly, the players.”
Callum Tapping, East Stirlingshire FC Manager, said:
“We are delighted to have agreed a cooperation deal with Falkirk. Strengthening relationships with local clubs has been a key priority for us, and I’ve got a great relationship with Tony Begg, his coaching staff and everyone at the club.
“I know the quality of talent coming through the academy, and this partnership will be a real boost as we compete in an extremely tough league.
“We’re looking forward to working together with everyone at Falkirk, and I would like to thank Jamie Swinney and Tony Begg for helping make it happen.”
Falkirk FC would like to thank East Stirlingshire for their support in establishing the partnership and looks forward to working closely together to provide the best possible environment for the continued development of young players.
