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Clarets end Scottish trip with Somerset Park friendly

2021-07-15T11:36:00.000Z

U23S FACE PARTNER CLUB AYR

Clarets end Scottish trip with Somerset Park friendly

2021-07-15T11:36:00.000Z

U18s FACE PARTNER CLUB AYR IN MID-SEASON FRIENDLY - Image 2

The Clarets’ Under-23s will play Ayr United on Saturday in another key development of the club partnership launched earlier this summer.

Burnley have linked up with Ayr, Cobh Ramblers, Portadown and Llandudno as partner clubs across the British Isles.

The clubs have already met at Academy level and Burnley’s Under-23s will now play a pre-season friendly at Ayr as they complete a successful training camp in Scotland.

Matt Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Burnley FC, said: “We are delighted to be making our first visit to Somerset Park and we know it will be a tough challenge for our U23 group but one that they are relishing.

“Since the partnerships were announced we staged a very successful U16 tournament and there has been lots of dialogue between all the clubs, particularly at Academy level, where our Head of Coaching, Ian Jones, has led various zoom calls and information sharing.

“I am sure as the country begins to open up and the season gets underway, staff from all clubs will have the opportunity of visiting each other and develop the partnerships even further.”

The Clarets’ U23s – under the interim guidance of Michael Jackson – lost 4-2 to a Rangers B side in their first pre-season friendly on Wednesday and are looking forward to another valuable work-out against a side from Championship outfit Ayr.

The ‘Honest Men’ – managed by ex-Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Leeds United midfielder David Hopkin – has already kicked off their competitive fixtures with a penalty shoot-out defeat and a win in their opening two group games in the Scottish League Cup and face Hamilton Academicals next Tuesday night.

David Smith, Ayr United chairman, said: “The partnership with Burnley is a strategically important one for Ayr United and we are delighted to host them and allow our young players to actively look at the pathway available.”