CFC Launches Player Development Programme

Cowdenbeath FC is pleased to announce the launch of a new Player Development Programme, designed to provide a pathway for local talent to progress into the first team at Central Park.

This initiative is proudly supported and financially backed by the Cowdenbeath Independent Supporters Society (CISS) through the Zoe Smith Fund. We extend our sincere thanks to the CISS and its members for their ongoing support of the club and their commitment to the growth of this programme.

The first two players to join under the new initiative are:

𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐬 (left), a 19-year-old central defender previously with Bonnyrigg Rose U20s. Jackson also spent time at youth level with Hibernian and St Johnstone and was identified by our scouting team during his time at New Dundas Park. Speaking on his signing, Jackson said "Being a Fife boy I am delighted to be here and hopefully show that I am ready to step up to the demands of first team football. Really looking forward to and excited by the challenge after coming through the academies at St Johnstone and Hibs."

𝐑𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧 (right), a promising young forward who was part of the Kelty Hearts U20 squad that won the Development League Cup. Raymond, another local player, also has a youth background with Dunfermline Athletic. On joining the club, Raymond commented "Really excited to join the club and its a big opportunity for me. I want to try become a first team regular and there is plan/journey in place to get me there. After discussions with Colin I felt this was the right club for the next stage of my development/career."

Football Operations Co-ordinator Colin Nelson provided further insight into the new programme "Following board approval, we are proud to launch this exciting initiative, focused on nurturing young local talent. The programme offers a structured development pathway including first-team involvement, video analysis, one-to-one coaching sessions, and potential loan opportunities within the pyramid system.

Although the club currently does not operate an under-20s side, we view this programme as a vital bridge to the first team. Our goal is to identify and develop players with both the talent and the right mentality to succeed. While we won’t be able to bring in large numbers, we are committed to making focused, quality additions. Several more players have already been identified, whether from academies or boys’ clubs.

We are also incredibly grateful to the CISS for their financial support, which ensures that players on the programme will be compensated. Developing young talent requires time, patience, and investment - and we’re confident that our supporters will get behind these young players and the club’s vision."

Manager Paul McLean also expressed his support "Really pleased the lads have agreed to come in. The two boys had strong seasons at Kelty 20s and Bonnyrigg 20s respectively and im looking forward to having them around our first team squad for next season. It's a really positive step by the club to introduce this development idea to integrate young boys into the first team environment."