Celtic and Ayr United announce co-operation agreement | OneFootball

Celtic have formed a co-operation agreement with Scottish Championship club Ayr United who are of course managed by former Celtic captain Scott Brown…

Scott Brown, Ayr United manager is interviewed as Victor Wanyama of Dunfermline Athletic walks by Ayr United v Dunfermline,Scottish Championship, Somerset Park, Ayr, 29 March 2025. Photo Garry McHarg, Shutterstock

This comes under a new framework launched by the Scottish FA earlier this year, aimed at providing greater flexibility compared to the old and stagnant domestic loan system.

The arrangement enables Scottish-eligible players aged 16 to 21 to play for a lower-division side while still being able to switch back and forth between their original club and the partner club during the season, ensuring they get as much playing experience as possible during this crucial stage of their growth.

Ayr United made the partnership public through their social media channels, and Celtic soon confirmed the news as well.

Celtic supporters at Somerset park Ayr, July 2024. Photo Geo – The Celtic Star

Ayr’s statement read: “We’re delighted to announce that we’ve entered into a Cooperation Agreement with Celtic, which sees some of the Premiership club’s top young talent playing for Ayr United.”

“More flexible than the loan system, the agreement is designed to allow greater playing opportunities for players aged 16-21. Celtic pair Jude Bonnar and Kyle Ure, both 19, have already sampled first-team action with the Honest Men. A third player will be joining them soon.”

3rd May 2023; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish FA Youth Cup Final, Rangers versus Celtic; Kyle Ure of Celtic with the trophy. Photo ActionPlus Vagelis Georgariou

Bonnar, who made his senior debut for Brendan Rodgers’ men last season in a 5-1 victory against Aberdeen at Celtic Park, quickly made his mark at Ayr by scoring a stunning goal on his debut during a 4-0 win at Somerset Park over Arbroath in last month’s Premier Sports Cup group stage.

Jude Bonnar of Celtic in action on his debut during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park, on 25th February 2025. Picture by Mark Runnacles

Bonnar and Ure both featured in The Honest Men’s 1-1 draw against Arbroath in their Championship opener at Gayfield last night. Bonnar lasted 60 minutes, while Ure was subbed on at half-time. Shaun Maloney was in attendance watching the pair.

The official Celtic FC website announced this development yesterday afternoon.

‘Celtic is delighted to confirm that it has entered into a new co-operation agreement with Ayr United FC, which will allow increased playing opportunities for a number of promising young Celtic players who are coming through the ranks at Celtic.’

Celtic FC coach Brendan Rodgers looks on before the Como Cup match between Ajax and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Brendan Rodgers commented on the partnership: “We think this new arrangement with Ayr United will prove to be very useful to both clubs and of course to the young players who we are looking to support and develop,” he said via Celtic’s official website.

“A number of clubs are using these new agreements and I think they have the potential to produce really positive results. I know Scott and his staff will provide our young players with a fantastic environment over the next period and this will be crucial in their development and their transition to our first team.”

Conor Spence

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David Potter at the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden, Celtic 2 Hearts 1, 25 may 2019. Photo The Celtic Star

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