Regional academy sides in Stirling again for second festival

The four regions (Caledonia, Edinburgh, Glasgow & the West and Borders & East Lothian) will pick two U16 teams and an U18 team each.

This weekend’s fixtures are as follows:

Borders & East Lothian Whites U16 v Glasgow & West Whites U16 – 12pm kick off
Edinburgh Knights U16 v Caledonia Saltires U16 – 12pm kick off

Edinburgh U18 v Caledonia U18 – 2pm kick off
Borders & East Lothian Reds U16 v Glasgow & West Blues U16 – 2pm kick off

Borders & East Lothian U18 v Glasgow & The West U18 – 4pm kick off
Edinburgh Cannons U16 v Caledonia Thistles U16 – 4pm kick off

Edinburgh and Borders & East Lothian Academy Manager Bruce Frame said: “For all the guys, this is the start of a process towards national identification so there’s a lot riding on it for them. It’s not really about the team results, it’s more about seeing the guys develop from week to week.

“All of the regions play in different ways. There’s some matchups through the games this weekend. Each region uses the blueprint themes and it’s about bringing your strengths to the game as well as identifying what the other team might bring.”

Caledonia and Glasgow & the West Academy Manager Jamie Dempsey added: “For the U16 teams, it’s their second ever time doing one of these festivals, so it’s another opportunity for them to learn at this level of sport. We look to keep the ball in play for as long as possible, we’re looking to see triple pass plays and things like that.

“For our U18s, they’ll be looking to work towards the Scotland U18 programme even at this early stage of the season. We’re hoping to see a high-tempo, high-skill game that is very fast to allow players to experience that high level of game in terms of collisions and skill level.”

To view a full list of the teams, click HERE.