Glentoran Academy has agreed a new long-term development partnership with Dundela FC ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The agreement will establish a closer working relationship between the two East Belfast clubs, strengthening the pathway available to young players and creating further development opportunities for coaches.

Dundela already work closely with Dungoyne FC, which provides weekly football for more than 200 boys and girls aged between four and 16 in Dundonald and the surrounding area.

That established relationship enables young players to progress from grassroots football into Dundela’s underage and senior structures. Glentoran will now support the wider pathway by sharing expertise and selected resources from its professional Academy environment.

Players will have the opportunity to move between Glentoran and Dundela when it is considered the right step for their development.

The partnership will also provide opportunities for coaches to share knowledge across areas including coaching practice, performance analysis, strength and conditioning, player welfare and long-term player development.

Jacko, Glentoran Academy Manager, said: “This partnership brings together two clubs with deep roots in East Belfast and a shared commitment to developing talented young players from our local communities.

“It has been a pleasure working with Ian to bring the agreement together. We both care deeply about football in this part of the city and want to create a pathway which gives players the opportunity and support to fulfil their potential.

“Glentoran can share knowledge and resources from our professional Academy environment, but we can also learn from the work Dundela continue to do within their community and through their established partnership with Dungoyne.

“East Belfast has always produced talented footballers. By working together, we can ensure more of them receive the right opportunities at the right stage of their development.”

Ian McKee, Academy Director at Dundela FC, said: “We are delighted to formalise this partnership and further strengthen the pathway available to young players across East Belfast.

“Jacko’s passion for local football has been clear from our first conversation. We have developed a strong working relationship and share the same ambition to give talented players the best possible opportunity to progress.

“Working with Glentoran provides another level for our players to aspire to, but the partnership is not about movement in one direction. Every decision will be based on what is best for the individual player and their development.

“It also complements our existing partnership with Dungoyne, whose coaches and volunteers do outstanding work to introduce young players to football and help them take their first steps along the pathway.

“Our coaches will benefit from the agreement too. Sharing expertise across areas such as performance analysis, strength and conditioning and player welfare will enhance the work already taking place throughout our Academy.”