Aberdeen will enter into its second Cooperative Agreement with SPFL League One side, Kelty Hearts.

Following the news this morning that the Dons had signed its first Cooperative partnership with Elgin City; the club has signed a second agreement in order to further enhance the opportunities for our best young talent during a vital stage of their development.

Exciting young prospects Lewis Carrol (17), Joseph Teasdale (17) and Cooper Masson (16), will join Thomas O’Ware’s squad as they prepare to face Brora Rangers this evening in their first Premier Sports Cup Group Stage match.

“We’re pleased to formalise this Cooperation Agreement with Kelty Hearts, a club we know shares our commitment to development and affording opportunity to young talent”, said Dons Director of Football Steven Gunn.

“Over previous seasons we’ve seen the real benefits of providing our emerging players with the opportunity to experience senior football in competitive, challenging environments. The experiences of our own players who’ve spent time on loan at Kelty previously have been positive, not only in terms of their on-field development, but also in their growth as professionals off the pitch. We’re sure Cooper, Joseph and Lewis can benefit greatly from this experience.

“Kelty provides a well-structured, ambitious and supportive environment which is exactly what we were looking for when identifying the right places for our players to continue their development. It was clear from our discussions that they are informed about our players and their development needs and we’re looking forward to working alongside Thomas and his staff.

“This agreement strengthens the relationship and creates a clear pathway for promising young players to gain valuable senior football experience, learn from good professionals and be better prepared for the demands of first team football at Aberdeen.

“We’ re confident this partnership, along with the one we have with Elgin City, will provide valuable benefits to both clubs and, more importantly, to the emerging talent involved.”

Kelty Hearts manager, Thomas O’Ware said: “The partnership with Aberdeen is one we hope can be successful moving forward.

“We have had great loans in the past with Aberdeen and we’re hoping this can continue. Joe, Lewis and Cooper will add real competition for places in the squad. It’s the boys first loans and we need to be patient with them but ultimately, we want to develop them as much as we can before they go back to Aberdeen. We are delighted they are here with us.”

Further information on the background to the Scottish FA’s decision to implement the Cooperation System can be found in their published Transition Report, which was released in 2024.