Elgin City appoint joint heads of youth development and plan to reintroduce under-20 and under-18 teams as part of 'professional phase' of Borough Briggs youth academy
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Darren Main and Steven Rattray have been appointed as Elgin City's new joint team at the helm of the Borough Briggs club's youth academy.
City will also bring back their under-20 and under-18 teams in an effort to develop more young players into the first team and SPFL football.
The club announced that former player Rattray will oversee the foundation phase of the youth academy (aged 9-12) while current youth coach Main will be in charge of the older groups ranging from under-13 to under-17.
A club spokesperson said: "One of the most exciting aspects of this announcement is the creation of the Professional Phase within our academy.
"This phase will re-integrate our U18s team and U20s teams, setting a clear pathway for our young talents to progress towards the first team.
"Darren and Steven will jointly spearhead the development of this Professional Phase, aligning it closely with the game model of our first team.
"This strategic move aligns with Elgin City FC's commitment to nurturing and developing our own talented youth players. By integrating the academy's structure with the ethos and style of play of our first team, we aim to enhance the seamless transition of young talents into the senior squad."
Rattray's successful playing career saw him captain Deveronvale as a teenager and later play for Buckie Thistle, Forres Mechanics, Lossiemouth and Elgin City.
He gained coaching badges at a young age and has had two spells as manager of Dufftown juniors and was assistant boss at Strathspey Thistle, as well as being involved in youth coaching at Lossiemouth, Huntly and Keith.
Main has coached City's under-14s as well as Moray Girls under-16s and holds a range of Scottish FA and UEFA coaching badges.
Elgin says the joint heads of the yoyth academy will play "pivotal roles in the development and enhancement of our youth academy programme".
Both will work closely with current first team manager Allan hale and his assistant Stefan Laird.
"Darren and Steven bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their new roles, and we are confident that under their leadership, our youth academy will continue to flourish and produce top-quality players," said the club statement.
"We look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will have on the future of Elgin City Football Club."
