YOKER Athletic have taken what they hope will be a giant step towards a secure long-term future for the club by unveiling a new youth academy – and an under-20 development squad.

The announcement, made on social media last week, represents what the club says is the culmination of several months of hard work.

The move follows confirmation that the Whe Ho will line up in Conference C of the new West of Scotland Football League in 2020-21.

The club said in a statement released on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: “Yoker Athletic FC have been working hard behind the scenes now for several months.

“With the club’s new status in the West of Scotland Football League it is only fitting that we take this opportunity to expand further and look to the future of the club.

“For season 2020/21 we are proud to announce the launch of the Yoker Athletic FC Youth Academy which we hope will be the future of the club for years to come.

“We have secured the services of a very experienced coaching team, which means we will be running teams at several age groups all under the banner of Yoker Athletic FC.”

The statement promised more information on the teams that will form part of the new academy set-up “in the coming days” – and supporters didn’t have to wait long for news, with details of the under-20 development squad following just 24 hours later.

The U20 team will line up in the West of Scotland Football League’s U20 competition and will be coached by former St Johnstone, Stranraer, Airdrie and Alloa goalkeeper Stephen Robertson, ex-Partick Thistle midfielder Stevie Docherty and experienced youth coach Tam Chisholm.

To find out more contact Stephen Robertson on 0777 334 1164 or robbo_stephen@yahoo.co.uk.

The club is also looking for young players to join its 2004, 2006 and 2007 squads – to find out more search for ‘Yoker Athletic Football Club’ on Facebook.