Aberdeen has confirmed its first ever Cooperation partnership with SPFL League 2 club Elgin City.

The historic agreement follows the introduction of the new Scottish FA initiative, which was created to boost opportunities for young Scottish players during a vital stage of their development.

It formed the basis on which the club announced its new strategic direction in this area two weeks ago, which will see AFC appoint a new Transition Manager and not take part in the CAS Under-19s games programme.

Instead, the Cooperation System provides greater flexibility to the previous domestic loan quotas by enabling players in the key ‘transition phase’ of 16-21 years of age who are eligible to represent the Scotland national teams, to join a lower-league club, playing competitive football, but also be able to move between the parent and cooperation club throughout the season to increase playing time.

The club can have multiple agreements across the pyramid, but only one on each tier. Elgin City, who made the promotion play-offs last season, will be the club’s partner in SPFL League 2.

And the first batch of players have agreed to move there, joining Allan Hale’s squad who are in the middle of the Premier Sports Cup Group Stages, with games against Inverness CT, East Kilbride and St Johnstone on the horizon.

Left-back Dylan Ross (17) and central defenders Jamie Mercer (17) and Noah McDonnell (17), who will be on a Standard Loan owing to his Northern Irish roots, will all make the move and are immediately available for selection.

Director of Football Steven Gunn said: “We are delighted to link with such a good club like Elgin City, and we believe they will provide an excellent platform for Dylan, Jamie and Noah, three players we have very high hopes for.

“We were at Borough Briggs back in January to play a Scottish Cup fixture and not only were we thoroughly impressed by the facilities, but it was clear the team have a solid identity and a talented staff.

“From our early discussions it was apparent we are aligned in terms of our priorities for the development of our players, and importantly, Elgin City demonstrated a sound knowledge of the players and a real desire to support their ongoing development.

“While we expect it to be a challenge for them, the opportunity for competitive first team football, in the professional league system, is significant for our players. We have taken a view that this is a better progression for our best young players, training daily at Cormack Park under a dedicated Transition Manager and being exposed to senior first team football at the weekend, rather than playing against their peer group in U-19 football.

“Coupled with that, we’ll also have games in the Aberdeenshire Cup, the Aberdeenshire Shield and the newly expanded KDM Evolution Trophy. Alongside this there is also scope for the players to be recalled for first team involvement helping to ensure a very busy and competitive schedule for our best talent.

“This agreement with Elgin City is just the first, that covers League 2, and we hope to have others announced shortly.”

Elgin City FC Chairman, Alan Murray, added: “We are very pleased to announce our club Cooperation partnership with Aberdeen FC, which we hope can be a win-win for both clubs. The new club Cooperation System is a landmark change in the development of 16–21-year-old Scottish players. The system is already established and working well in several European countries and we hope this collaboration will strengthen ties between our two clubs.

“We are really pleased that Aberdeen FC see our club as a great place to develop their elite young players, which is a credit to the excellent work being undertaken by our talented staff across the first team, academy and the business. The partnership should provide player development, flexibility and financial efficiency to both clubs.

“We are delighted to welcome Dylan Ross, Jamie Mercer and Noah McDonnell to Elgin City and we hope that this can be the start of a long-lasting partnership between our clubs”

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.