Academy update

Oakley footballer Daniel Hall has joined the full-time youth set up at Central Park after accepting a 2-year modern apprentice contract with the Blue Brazil.

The former St. Columba's High School pupil has worked his way through the Blue Brazil youth ranks and stepped up from Mark Oliver's successful under 16s side to the 19s last season. Hall, who plays central or right-sided midfield, missed most of last season due to injury but the coaching staff saw enough potential to offer the teenager a 2-year full-time deal.

"Dan has the technical ability to go far in the game and also has good physical attributes", commented Bob Paterson, Head of Youth Development.

"He has the chance to develop his game on a full-time basis under the tutelage of Colin Cameron and his coaches. It is now up to Dan to continue to work hard and take the opportunity with both hands.

"Youth development is high on the agenda at Central Park with players coached to play the game in the right way. Young footballers, with the required technical ability and the correct attitude, will always get the chance to play 1st team football at Cowdenbeath Football Club."

Hall and another recent recruit Dale Finnie join existing full-timers Jamie Pyper, Liam Callaghan and Lewis Milne on the modern apprenticeship programme at Central Park. The programme, which was established in 2007, has proved very successful with graduates Dean Brett, Thomas O'Brien, Steven Bennett, Danny Mackay, Kyle Miller and John Ferguson all part of the 2011/12 first team squad. In addition, Lewis Milne, who made his debut at the end of last season and featured from the bench on Saturday, and Liam Callaghan impressed for the first team during pre-season.

Meanwhile, a young under 19 side, featuring over age players John Armstrong and Lewis Coult, defeated Jeddah City FC - an under 21 side from Saudi Arabia - 8-0 last week. Jeddah City, run by British-born coach Phil Denton, are a highly-respected youth football club with a couple of players recently taken on trial by Wigan Athletic.