Ayr United has launched their latest intake of a unique partnership with Ayrshire College, which aims to deliver an advanced apprenticeship programme for the club’s youth players, marking a significant step in the development of young talent in Scottish football.
The announcement, made during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, introduces seven apprentices embarking on a modern apprenticeship in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance. Among them are Scottish youth internationals Ollie Ecrepont, Dylan Watret, and Jamie Hislop.
This apprenticeship is designed by the SQA and endorsed by the Scottish FA to support aspiring athletes in their educational and professional development, both on and off the pitch.
Watret actually featured in Ayr’s stunning 3-2 comeback win over Queen’s Park on Tuesday night, showcasing his potential for Scott Brown's first team.
The groundbreaking collaboration makes Ayrshire College the only institution in Scotland to work with a football club on such an apprenticeship programme.
The initiative will see the young players, aged 16 to 19, gain valuable qualifications in areas like nutrition, technical skills, and mental and physical development, all while working toward their goal of becoming professional footballers.
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Ayrshire College’s partnership with the Scottish Championship side ensures these players receive expert guidance from experienced coaches and educators, including club legends Gerry Philips and Bob Cameron.
Both have decades of experience in education and strong ties to the club, with Gerry having made his mark at Ayr United in the 1970s and Bob being a lifelong supporter.
Ayr United managing director Graeme Mathie believes those participating in the scheme will reap the benefits.
He said: “The club has been involved in this apprenticeship previously, but this new intake is the first in my time here. I’m delighted that we have the support of Bob and Gerry, both recently retired teachers with a very strong connection to Ayr United. “The programme itself is a perfect framework for what we want to develop here, which is talented young people who can take responsibility for their development, using the array of staff and technologies we now have at our disposal at the football club.
“Of the eight modules, the five core aspects involve the boys detailing plans to improve themselves technically, tactically, physically and mentally, in addition to highlighting how they will use nutrition as part of their development. “I’d like to thank all the staff at Ayrshire College for their input into reinstating this apprenticeship and I’ve no doubt it will reap huge rewards for the boys and for the club going forward.”
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The apprenticeship offers the players a unique opportunity to balance their football training with an accredited qualification, enabling them to continue their education while striving for success on the field.
This initiative is expected to play a key role in shaping the next generation of football talent at Ayr United, while also providing them with the skills to succeed beyond their sporting careers.
Stuart Millar, head of employer engagement & innovation at Ayrshire College, also highlighted the significance of the programme, noting: “We are pleased to be working alongside Ayr United at this exciting time in the club’s history.
“Through this high-level apprenticeship programme, Ayr United is creating real opportunities for the growth of their young players, as well as developing their employability beyond football.
“At Ayrshire College, we see first-hand the benefits of work-based learning for apprentices, providing them with opportunities that support their future careers, no matter what path they choose.”
