The goal of the TFCYA is to form talented young, local players into top football players.
Central within the club is the style of play, training, behaviour and house rules. We strive to keep our way of playing football recognisable; attractive, attack-minded, creative, fast, fair and on the front foot in the opponents’ half.
The youth teams are trained in exactly the same way as the first team, helping our youth team players to become accustomed to Troon’s style of play whatever the level. The further you get, the harder it becomes to maintain your place and to reach the ultimate objective – to play in the Troon first team. Only the best players make it to the first team each year, but that pathway is proven to be there.
History of the Academy
Troon’s first ever youth team were launched in 1982, with the introduction of the Dundonald Thistle Under 13s teams to the club under Manager Eric Young & Trainer Hugh Coughtrie.
The Academy initiative was relaunched in 2013 when Manager Jimmy Kirkwood introduced former Ayr United player Neil Duffy as Under 19s Manager, and a squad was formed from there of local players to represent the blue & black in Scottish Youth Football.
The target for that initial team was to provide a platform for young players to learn and grow before making the step up to compete for a place in the Junior side, and the Youth Academy that followed is very much in that mould.
Our amateur supporters side, Troon Academicals, were next to become part of the club & the Academy was officially formed.
Our 2004 side was launched in April 2017 under Brian Prentice, and they have gone from strength to strength in the West of Scotland Youth League.
Jamie McCulloch was recruited, along with Jonny McTear, as Head of Youth in the summer of 2018 to spearhead our Youth Academy and our development has continued to expand since then, with a raft of new teams being set-up under our banner.
In November 2018, we incorporated the 2008 side of Troon Dundonald under Head Coach Ed Vorsterman, former Troon player Bryan “Homer” Mitchell & Ian Barr.
Our 2013 side began in March 2019 under the tutelage of John Hutton, Ronald McNicol & Russell Smith. They began their “Fun Fours” adventure with the club in October 2019.
We launched our 2003 side in May 2019, and many of Dalrymple & Coylton’s then-Under 16s side came on board with our player pathway.
Our 2011 side began under Darren Sneddon in July 2019, and have already begun playing matches in their new strips.
Youth Academy Board
| Role | Person |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Jim Kirkwood |
| Vice-Chairman | Billy Inglis |
| Manager | Jimmy Kirkwood |
| Head of Youth Academy | Justin Brown |
| Club Secretary | Richard Henderson |