Hamilton Academical Football Club Academy Secures Future in Hamilton with Support from South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture
Hamilton Academical Football Club is proud to confirm that our Academy will remain based in Hamilton and the South Lanarkshire area.
This outcome would not have been possible without the exceptional support and commitment of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SCIO) — in particular, we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to David Carter, Laura Clelland, Andy House, Iain Mulholland and Iain Strachan. Their tireless efforts and willingness to work with us through a period of uncertainty have been crucial to safeguarding the future of not only our youth development programme, but its status as an Elite level academy.
Huge thanks must also be extended to David Sheldon, Laurie Adam & the CAS Team at the SFA for their patience and support during what has been a very challenging time.
Amid the temporary relocation of our first team outside the Hamilton area, ensuring that our Academy remained rooted in the local community was not just a logistical goal — it was a strategic and emotional imperative. The identity of Hamilton Academical is deeply tied to this town and locality, and maintaining that connection, especially for our young players and their families, has been of the highest importance.
Navigating this challenge within a short window of time has been stressful and complex. However, thanks to the professionalism and shared vision of our colleagues at South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture as well as CAS, we have emerged with a solution that not only protects our Academy but allows it to thrive.
Gerry Strain, Sporting Director at Hamilton Academical FC, added:
“Keeping our Academy in Hamilton has been an absolute priority. It’s not just about geography — it’s about identity, pride, and continuity. I can’t thank David, Laura, Andy, Iain and Iain enough for their commitment and belief in what we’re building here. This partnership has allowed us to preserve what matters most and gives us a strong platform for the future.”
We remain fully committed to developing young talent locally, with strong community ties and a proud sense of place. We look forward to continuing our work alongside partners who understand and support the values that make this club special.
Hamilton is our home, and thanks to this collaboration, it continues to be the home of our Academy.
Now, it’s imperative that we embark upon formalising the correct strategic partnerships with the correct stakeholders to ensure the return of our First Team operations to a stadium in the area as quickly as possible.
