Col-Glen and Strachur-Dunoon shinty teams have announced that they will be joining forces this coming season as Col-Glen enters top flight shinty in the Mowi Premiership.
Strachur-Dunoon will compete as Col-Glen’s second team, fully integrating into the permiership side’s set up while retaining their blue strip in a nod to the team’s heritage.
The two have previously played in the Camanachd Association leagues as single team clubs.
The new arrangement will allow Col-Glen to compete on par with their premiership competitors, all of whom have second teams playing in lower leagues.
This means there are players they can call on if hit by injury, illness or disqualification issues. It also means that any Col-Glen players from the wider squad who are not picked for a premiership game have the chance of game time playing with Strachur Dunoon - as well as the opportunity for Strachur-Dunoon players to be chosen for the Col-Glen first team on a regular basis.
The move to integrate the two comes after several months’ of discussion between the clubs, the players and with the Camanachd Association.
The two see the potential in allowing them to improve on and off the pitch but, in particular, the new set-up will allow young players from the Cowal area to progress through a ‘guided’ pathway into playing shinty at the highest level.
A spokesperson for Strachur-Dunoon - which is already an amalgamated senior team from Strachur and District Shinty Club and Dunoon Camanachd - said: “This decision will also allow us to have more stable numbers for the upcoming season, something which is incredibly important for our club considering the issues we faced halfway through last year.
“Although we will be the second team to The Glen, we will be keeping our name, colours and identity - and, of course, will be playing at Dunoon Stadium and Strachurmore as normal.
“We’d like to thank Col-Glen for their cooperation, and we are incredibly excited to see what this season brings.”
A spokesperson for Col-Glen added: “This bold move will allow both teams to strengthen their positions going forward.
“Importantly, it will also give young shinty players from the Dunoon and Cowal area a fantastic opportunity to progress in a complete and joined-up player pathway.”
Why not try these links to see what our West Coast AI can tell you.
(Please note this is an experimental service)
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.