RUAIRIDH ADAMS JOINS UNDER 18s SQUAD AS HUTCHISON VALE PARTNERSHIP GROWS

As our Under 18 squad continues to go from strength to strength, we are pleased to announce the arrival of goalkeeper Ruairidh Adams from Hutchison Vale Boys Club.

The 16-year-old joins Jacob Comerford, who penned his first professional contract at Tannadice back in January, in signing from the East Lothian club and becomes the third signing from Hutchison Vale in recent years following Our Academy graduate Declan Glass.

The highly sought-after stopper has already made his senior debut having played for Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale in the first round of this season’s Scottish Cup vs Banks O’ Dee and was subject to interest from both the English Premier League and Scottish top flight.

"It’s an amazing feeling doing the sport I love as a profession," said Ruairidh. "It’s what I’ve dreamed of since I was small. The hard work for more than 10 years with Hutchison Vale has paid off to get me to this point, but there is still a long way to go to where I want to be.

"I want to improve my game and add new styles to it, as well as show my strengths and improve them. I’m hoping to get experience with the first team over the next few seasons. I want to see myself consistently improve as a footballer and go to the next level.

"The opportunity to train with the first team goalkeepers is one that very little clubs, if any, at this level have to offer a young goalkeeper. For the short period I’ve been at the club I’ve already learnt so much from Benji, Deniz, Jack and Neil and with all the experience they have in the game. The advice I’m given helps me improve into a better player. I enjoy the football style being played in the 18s squad and it suits my strengths. Adam and Tam give me the freedom to play with my feet and I hope to add a new dimension to the team and my game."

Hutchison Vale's Club Leader Tam Smith said: “I am really happy for Jacob and Ruairidh in joining Dundee United. Ruairidh has been at the club since he was four years old and is a first-class goalkeeper whereas Jacob joined as an eleven-year-old and developed into an accomplished box to box player, very comfortable in possession he can also play at centre back. Dundee United provided a very good package for the boys so that they could sustain their interest and this has culminated in the two boys signing for a club that has a great track record in developing young players.

"On a personal note, it has been a pleasure coaching this age group since they were eight years old with the great majority of them still there and today I am particularly proud of the two lads as they start on their new football adventure.”

It's a move that strengthens the partnership Dundee United and Hutchison Vale have been building over the last few seasons. In order to see it grow further, Our Academy staff will now be working closely with Hutchison Vale coaches - delivering sessions, coach education and workshops.

We will continue to help Hutchison Vale develop their players until the age of 15-16 years old by providing additional training for selected players and offering a full-time pathway for Hutchison Vale’s best talent.

Head of Talent ID and Recruitment Jordan Moore said: “We are delighted to formalise a partnership with a club that has produced many top players in the past and we are confident this will continue to be the case with the signings of Ruairidh Adams and Jacob Comerford.

"A special thanks to Tam Smith for all his help and we look forward to this partnership continuing to provide his players with opportunities to develop and further their careers at Dundee United Football Club.”