LOCHGELLY Albert are entering a partnership with Bayside FC which will see the creation of an under-20s side playing in the East of Scotland development league for season 2023-24.

The tie-up will create a youth pathway for the Second Division side as Berts chairman, Jock Kinnell, explained: “Bayside FC are an exceptionally well run and highly regarded club with a dedicated training hub at Pitreavie, in Dunfermline.

“They have over 550 male and female players ranging from pre-school mini-kickers through childhood and teenage teams to a male over-35 side, along with a team for children with autism and women’s recreational football.

“The partnership will see the Bayside 2005 team, currently playing in the Fife under-18 league, move across to become the under-20s under the Lochgelly Albert name. A few of the young lads have recently been involved with the Albert in games and acquitted themselves very well.”

Jock added: “As a club we would like to welcome and thank Bayside FC, for partnering up with ourselves to bring under-20s football to Lochgelly, as this will be another foundation to hopefully stabilise the club, as we move towards our centenary season."