Hibernian F.C. Under-20s and Academy
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| Ground |
Hibernian Training Centre East Lothian | ||
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| Chairman | Rod Petrie | ||
| Head Coach | Grant Murray | ||
| League | SPFL Development League | ||
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In addition to their first team competing in the Scottish Championship, Hibernian F.C. also maintain an Under-20 side competing in the SPFL Development League and the Scottish Youth Cup, as well as further teams for younger age groups within the club's academy. Previously a reserve team was also fielded for many years until the abandonment of the most recent league for those teams in 2009.
Competitions
Prior to the introduction of the Scottish Premier League in 1998, the Under-20s previously competed in the youth league administered by the Scottish Football League. From 2015 onwards it is possible for the Hibs academy to participate in the UEFA Youth League by the Under-17 side winning the previous season's league at that age group; however this has not yet been achieved.
For the 2016-17 edition of the Scottish Challenge Cup, Under-20 teams were granted entry to compete against adult teams for the first time in the modern era. But this applied only to the teams whose parent clubs were in the Premiership - as Hibs were in the second tier that season, it was their senior team who entered the competition with the youngsters having to wait for the opportunity to test themselves against semi-professional opposition.
Under-20s and Academy background
Hibs' main area of recruitment is the Lothian and Borders region around Edinburgh which has a population of around one million. They face a constant battle with rivals Heart of Midlothian to sign the most promising youngsters in the area. In the past both Hibs and Hearts have signed many players from youth club Hutchison Vale.
In 2016 the Investors in People Silver Award was bestowed on the Hibernian Academy for its work with the young people connected to the organisation.[1]
Although the official home of the academy teams is the club's training centre near Ormiston, the Under-20 matches usually take place at lower league stadia; most frequently Ainslie Park in Edinburgh, home of Spartans F.C. is used, and fixtures have also been played at the indoor Oriam facility.
The Under-20s head coach is Grant Murray, assisted by Eddie May and Lee Makel.
U20 Development squad
- As of February 2017
[2] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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- = currently out on loan
Honours
- Scottish Youth Cup
- Winners (2): 1992, 2009
- Runners-up (2): 1990, 1991
- SPFL Development League[Note 1]
- Winners (1): 2008–09
Notes
- ↑ Since 1993. Previously known as the Scottish Football League Youth Division, Scottish Premier under-18/under-19/under-20 League and SPFL under-20 League
Former reserve/youth team players
This list focuses on the players who have graduated through Hibernian's academy since the inception of the SPL in 1998 - this includes a group considered a 'golden generation' who helped Hibs to Scottish League Cup finals in 2004[3][4] and 2007[5][6] (the latter of which they won), and most of whom went on to play for Scotland.[7][8] Many other of the club's earlier notable players also came through the youth system. Players currently at Hibs in bold.
- As of February 2017
References
- ↑ "Academy awarded 'Investors in young people' award". Hibernian FC. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
- ↑ "Under 20 Squad 2016-17". Hibernian FC. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
- ↑ "Livingston lift CIS Cup". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 14 March 2004. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
- ↑ Moffat, Colin (20 April 2004). "Few Hibees will mourn Williamson". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
- ↑ Lindsay, Clive (18 March 2007). "Kilmarnock 1–5 Hibernian". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
- ↑ "Steven Whittaker recalls his Scottish League Cup triumph with Hibernian's golden generation a decade ago". Daily Mail. 18 March 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
- ↑ Hardie, David (20 July 2011). "Defender of Hibees' new gems". The Scotsman. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
- ↑ "The Hibee golden generation ... out-of-work Derek Riordan still training with Livingston". Daily Record. 19 January 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2017.