Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Loughgall FC have announced an exciting partnership with English EFL Championship team Huddersfield Town.

In what will be a first of such a working relationship in the Irish League, this partnership will have significant benefits to both clubs, particularly in the area of youth development.

Six representatives of Loughgall FC and Loughgall Youth were invited to Huddersfield Town on Tuesday 17th August to sign the formal agreement, meet key staff and be guests at the first team game against Preston at the John Smith Stadium.

This partnership is massive for Loughgall FC and especially Loughgall Youth. It is more than an affiliation, rather a working relationship that involves youth players right up to the first team.

Pictured at the signing of the agreement seated (left to right): Emyr Humphries (Academy Manager Huddersfield Town FC) and David Johnstone (Loughgall FC - Youth Development Manager).
Standing (left to right): James Johnston (LFC Vice Chairman and LFC Youth Chairman), Ernie Smyth (LFC Youth Vice Chairman), Sam Nicholson (LFC Chairman), Dean Smith (LFC 1st Team Manager) and Denver Calvin (LFC Youth Committee Member) — Pictured at the signing of the agreement seated (left to right): Emyr Humphries (Academy Manager Huddersfield Town FC) and David Johnstone (Loughgall FC - Youth Development Manager). Standing (left to right): James Johnston (LFC Vice Chairman and LFC Youth Chairman), Ernie Smyth (LFC Youth Vice Chairman), Sam Nicholson (LFC Chairman), Dean Smith (LFC 1st Team Manager) and Denver Calvin (LFC Youth Committee Member)

Specifically, there will be regular trips to and from each club by coaches, player trials, friendly games from youth level right up to first team, possible player loan agreements and most importantly a special group of young ‘emerging talent’ that will be managed and developed by Huddersfield Town FC Academy staff.

Loughgall Youth is already recognised as one of the best in the country, having helped produced players like full Northern Ireland internationals Luke McCullough and Ryan McGivern among others that moved to full-time football.

This new partnership will take the club to a new level.

“Following many months of discussions, it is great that we are now commencing our working relationship with Huddersfield Town FC,” said David Johnstone – Loughgall Youth Development Manager.

“We had discussions with several clubs in England and Scotland but right from our first zoom call, Huddersfield Town FC was an excellent fit due to the similarities of both clubs.

“It is hard to overstate just how significant this development is. We will be able to benefit from the very latest in youth development and player analysis as well as have our best young players monitored by full-time professionals.

“Given this exciting relationship, added the quality coaching and superb facilities, there simply is not a better place for young players to develop, become the best they can be and have the potential of full-time football.”

Emyr Humphries, Academy Manager at Huddersfield Town FC, explained how the partnership came about.

Loughgall agree exciting partnership with Huddersfield Town