UNITED ACADEMY AWARDED ELITE STATUS

The breaking story coming out of the AGM today at Tannadice was the fantastic news that Dundee United Academy has secured 'Elite' status within the Club Academy Scotland structure.

Chairman Mark Ogren said, "I am thrilled that we have achieved this within our first year at the Club. One of the keystones of our future, when Scott and I took over the Club, was to ensure the Dundee United Academy became one of the finest in the country. It has taken a lot of hard work by the staff and a bit of investment, but we have reached a significant goal in our plans with today's news.

"Our Academy will now have the best possible opportunity of producing top players who can develop as first-team players and beyond. I must praise the work done by Sporting Director Tony Asghar, Academy Director Andy Goldie and the staff around them who have helped us become the first Club to step up from Progressive level into the Elite level.

"In under a year, we have made vital improvements including the design of our Academy Performance Plan, coaching qualifications, technical and tactical plans, child wellbeing and protection, physical performance and performance, data analysis and facilities and I praise the staff's efforts."

One of those critical appointments which have been instrumental in achieving 'Elite' status is  Academy Director Andy Goldie.

Andy said, "It was a key objective of my remit when I came on board to take the work already done by Brian Grant and push forward with the areas that required refinement. Making this award allows us to play in a best-against-best environment every week against the other eight Elite clubs.

"Our coaches, physios, scouts, analysts and players have really bought into what we are creating here and deserve to be working in an environment that they will continue to develop and flourish. I am delighted that all the work that has gone into this application has now been rewarded."

Significantly, this award will allow United to attract the best young talent giving that we are the only Elite level Academy in the region and build a platform to bring players through into the first-team and gain international recognition. 

"When I first met Sporting Director Tony Asghar, he explained where he wanted to take the Club, and this allows us to look once again to produce players for our first-team and beyond. The support we have had from Tony, and Mark and Scott and to be honest, everyone at the Club has been excellent, and I can't thank everyone enough."