DUYDB SPONSOR ACADEMY KITS

Dundee United Youth Development Board (DUYDB) today continued with their pledge to invest funds directly into the Youth Academy at Tannadice with the announcement that their name will adorn the front of the jerseys at all Youth Academy age groups for the remainder of the campaign.

The news means the various youth teams will take to the park wearing brand new tangerine Nike kits - replicating the first-team kits.

Dundee United's Senior Academy Manager Brain Grant said: "DUYDB have been a massive help to the Youth Academy having already financed trips down south to take part in tournaments and also purchasing an ice machine for use by our physio department and supplying the funds for a Head of Academy Science and Medicine. Today's news means the players can represent the Club in the same kit as the first team are wearing and that will make them feel an integral part of the Club.

"It is a real benefit to know I can go to them with requests and receive their support in enhancing our youth set-up, facilities and structure."

 DUYDB's Chairman Jim Laing said: "Although we were formed in late 2016 and have already made significant contributions directly into the Youth Academy, having our name on the youth kits is a very prominent way of displaying our support.

"The founding funders, comprising ArabTRUST, Dundee United Business Club and Dundee United Development Association, have all made significant funding efforts already. We are now looking for individual United fans to come on board and help us ensure the Youth Academy's continued growth and success against what is a challenging climate within Scottish football."

Dundee United Youth Development Board formed in 2016 with the aim of bringing together the fruits of individual Supporters Groups’ fund-raising activities for youth development.

The Board comprises of representatives from DUDA, DUBC and ArabTRUST.  All monies donated are ring-fenced in the Board`s bank account. 

The Board meets regularly with Academy Manager Brian Grant to discuss and make decisions on granting funding for identified projects. 

The Board’s longer-term plans include supporting the Club`s participation in the SFA`s new Project Brave programme and seeking to ensure that supporters have the opportunity to assist their Club in attracting the best possible players for the future. 

To further raise awareness the DUYDB are holding a Youth Development Celebration day at the home fixture v Inverness CT on Saturday the 21st of October. Full details of this day will follow.