Airdrieonians’ Supporters Trust have thrown their weight behind the club’s Academy coaches with a donation that takes their total backing of the Diamonds this season to over £13,500.

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Before Saturday’s clash with Ayr United Trust chairman Willie Marshall presented the club with a cheque for £3,250 towards the Coach Education Programme.

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This helps pay for the development of the Academy staff and for the new Under Armour matchday kit sported by Under-17s coach Scott Black and his Under-15s colleague Piero Carrino in our picture.

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Trust chairman Willie said: “The growing bond between the Trust and the Club means we are kept informed of all that is happening and real strides have been made in the Academy this season.

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“We know the burden the education of the coaches on the SFA pathway puts on the Club and we are delighted to help.

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“It’s vital we have the best possible coaches to tutor our young players as they are the future of the Diamonds.

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“This initiative and the provision of free season tickets to young supporters mean it has been an excellent season for the Trust, it shows real proof of the work we feel we can do to help.” 

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The Trust’s input is crucial as Airdrieonians build towards an Academy that can provide the new full-time set-up next season with the right standard of development players.

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By May 2017 the Diamonds are now poised to have FIVE coaches with the prestigious A Licence qualification as Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black - a UEFA Pro Licence holder - continues to oversee the Academy’s progress.

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The Diamonds boss, who accepted the latest donation from the Trust on behalf of the Club, said: “During my time earlier this season as Director of Coaching the Trust were great supporters of the work we did putting the foundations in place for change.

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“This latest donation is key for our target of making the standard of our coaching as good as it can be.

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“At any football club the most important thing will always be the fortunes of the first team and rightly so.

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“Behind the scenes, though, so many people are working so hard to ensure a bright future for us.

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“I still meet each month with all of our coaches in the Academy and I know how hard they are working. Help like this from the Trust gives them a massive boost.”