B team / U19 / Academy 2025-26

[Chuck Berry]

B team/U19 combined friendlies so far (all away)

 

1st July: Musselburgh Athletic

2nd July: Stoneyburn

5th July: Blackburn United

5th July: Penicuik Athletic

8th July: Spartans

 

I believe there's an away game again against Burnley U21s, and Dunbar United. Probably a few more tbc as well.

 

[Footballfirst]

41 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said:

B team/U19 combined friendlies so far (all away)

 

1st July: Musselburgh Athletic

2nd July: Stoneyburn

5th July: Blackburn United

5th July: Penicuik Athletic

8th July: Spartans

 

I believe there's an away game again against Burnley U21s, and Dunbar United. Probably a few more tbc as well.

 

Thanks for the new thread. It saves me starting one.

 

The CAS pages on SFA's website have been updated to include all the fixtures for each age group up to U19. There are also league tables and a calendar that shows all the match days and cup dates for each group.

https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/performance/club-academy-scotland/

 

The current season actually ends this weekend, but will end by the end of May next year.

 

The U19s have a league programme against the other 9 Elite academies, playing home and away (18 games), but dates have been kept free for the guaranteed 6 games (all away) in the SPFL Challenge Cup/Trust Trophy.  There is also a Scottish Youth Cup at U19. Games will normally be played on Mondays. This will allow players who may have been on the first team bench, or have played a few minutes, to get a full game each week.  For some reason Aberdeen's U19 games are missing, although there are two vacant matchdays in Hearts calendar.  The first league game is on Monday 28th July.

 

The U17s have a similar programme against the other Elite academies (18 games), a Scottish Youth Cup and a CAS League Cup (4/5 games). Games will be played on Friday evenings. The first matchday is on Friday 15th August.

 

Full calendar:

 

 

[Chuck Berry]

Cheers FF. What's next seasons B / U19 squad looking like?

[Footballfirst]

12 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said:

Cheers FF. What's next seasons B / U19 squad looking like?

Coincidentally I had a look at that yesterday. Here's my thoughts on who we have at each age group and where I think they are likely to start the first couple of months of the season.  One or two of those listed may have left, or others joined the squads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 17 by Footballfirst

[Chuck Berry]

Thanks FF. Will be interesting to see if we bring in a few who have been released from other academies.

[Footballfirst]

Hearts and Rangers have reached a mutual agreement to bin the final round of CAS fixtures this weekend to give players an extra week's break before the new season.

[Niemi’s gloves]

6 hours ago, Footballfirst said:

Thanks for the new thread. It saves me starting one.

 

The CAS pages on SFA's website have been updated to include all the fixtures for each age group up to U19. There are also league tables and a calendar that shows all the match days and cup dates for each group.

https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/performance/club-academy-scotland/

 

The current season actually ends this weekend, but will end by the end of May next year.

 

The U19s have a league programme against the other 9 Elite academies, playing home and away (18 games), but dates have been kept free for the guaranteed 6 games (all away) in the SPFL Challenge Cup/Trust Trophy.  There is also a Scottish Youth Cup at U19. Games will normally be played on Mondays. This will allow players who may have been on the first team bench, or have played a few minutes, to get a full game each week.  For some reason Aberdeen's U19 games are missing, although there are two vacant matchdays in Hearts calendar.  The first league game is on Monday 28th July.

 

The U17s have a similar programme against the other Elite academies (18 games), a Scottish Youth Cup and a CAS League Cup (4/5 games). Games will be played on Friday evenings. The first matchday is on Friday 15th August.

 

Full calendar:

 

 

Aberdeen are also missing from the outline U-19 elite league table. Is it possible that they are in discussions with the Highland League to enter that as a guest team?

[Footballfirst]

2 minutes ago, Niemi’s gloves said:

Aberdeen are also missing from the outline U-19 elite league table. Is it possible that they are in discussions with the Highland League to enter that as a guest team?

I did think along the same lines, but also that they just wished to seek dispensation from the need to field a side at that age group.  I know that Ross County has done that in the past.

 

I might ask around and see what is behind it.

[Footballfirst]

18 minutes ago, Niemi’s gloves said:

Aberdeen are also missing from the outline U-19 elite league table. Is it possible that they are in discussions with the Highland League to enter that as a guest team?

I've asked the question and the answer is apparently that Aberdeen has chosen not to participate in the league, favouring loans instead.  I also think the cooperation loan scheme works against the need for an U19 League.

 

I understand that Hearts have already asked to postpone their first U17 League game (v Hibs), as they have arranged a friendly match against Manchester City the previous day.

[jamboinglasgow]

6 hours ago, Chuck Berry said:

Thanks FF. Will be interesting to see if we bring in a few who have been released from other academies.

 

Angus Beith in an interview with Hearts standard in the last two weeks talked about bringing in a few players for the B team and U18 team. I would be intrigued if Hearts would use Jamestown for recruiting to those teams.

Edited June 17 by jamboinglasgow

[Footballfirst]

8 minutes ago, jamboinglasgow said:

Angus Beith in an interview with Hearts standard in the last two weeks talked about bringing in a few players for the B team and U18 team. I would be intrigued if Hearts would use Jamestown for recruiting to those teams.

It would be fine if it was possible, but I'd suspect the best prospects might be out our price range at 18/19, e.g. players released by the top EPL academies.

 

After hearing about Aberdeen's approach, I think Hearts are wrong to maintain three teams at U17, U19 and B Team. It's completely over the top and I'm sure the club already knows that several players don't have a future at Hearts, beyond being a jersey filler for the B Team or U19s.  As I said in my previous post, the new cooperation loan scheme works against the need for an U19 side.  It would be much more beneficial for Hearts player development sending out two groups of three on loan and releasing maybe a dozen others with a limited future. 

[Chuck Berry]

1 hour ago, Footballfirst said:

It would be fine if it was possible, but I'd suspect the best prospects might be out our price range at 18/19, e.g. players released by the top EPL academies.

 

After hearing about Aberdeen's approach, I think Hearts are wrong to maintain three teams at U17, U19 and B Team. It's completely over the top and I'm sure the club already knows that several players don't have a future at Hearts, beyond being a jersey filler for the B Team or U19s.  As I said in my previous post, the new cooperation loan scheme works against the need for an U19 side.  It would be much more beneficial for Hearts player development sending out two groups of three on loan and releasing maybe a dozen others with a limited future. 

 

Having a B team and U19 team doesn't make a lot of sense.

 

The B team however has shown it's worth as an introduction to adult football but will the cooperation loan system replace that need? hard to say, loans provide no guarantees as Mak Kirk found out, probably at a cost to his Hearts career. The B team provides competitive football every week at a decent standard, but there's no guarantee it will have a league to play in beyond 26-27 (if the option is taken).

 

I guess this season will be used to evaluate what pathway offers best career development.

[Footballfirst]

35 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said:

I guess this season will be used to evaluate what pathway offers best career development.

Oddly, the person I asked about the Aberdeen situation gave it two years before the SFA changes the development model again.

[FIGJAM]

My view is little chance of pathway for the best Hearts youth players if first team squad has 28+ players.

Will be very interesting to see if Gillies or Osborne get away to Spain.

 

[JamboAl]

3 hours ago, FIGJAM said:

My view is little chance of pathway for the best Hearts youth players if first team squad has 28+ players.

Will be very interesting to see if Gillies or Osborne get away to Spain.

 

If Osborne isn't on the plane, he may well interpret that as a sign he's not likely to be around the 1st team.  Might make him decide to move on.

[Footballfirst]

3 hours ago, FIGJAM said:

My view is little chance of pathway for the best Hearts youth players if first team squad has 28+ players.

Will be very interesting to see if Gillies or Osborne get away to Spain.

 

Prior to the transfer window and new contracts being handed out, I would have expected ALL 1st team players to go, but I don't see much value in sending Stone, McFarlane, Denholm, Sandilands, McLuckie and maybe even Neilson, Tait and Pollock if they are likely to leave or go out on loan once again.

 

I would certainly see a benefit in sending Osborne and Gillies, but I'd go further in confirming the existence of a pathway by taking along the likes of the Wilson twins, McMeekin and Kellock. 

Edited June 18 by Footballfirst

[FIGJAM]

1 hour ago, Footballfirst said:

Prior to the transfer window and new contracts being handed out, I would have expected ALL 1st team players to go, but I don't see much value in sending Stone, McFarlane, Denholm, Sandilands, McLuckie and maybe even Neilson, Tait and Pollock if they are likely to leave or go out on loan once again.

 

I would certainly see a benefit in sending Osborne and Gillies, but I'd go further in confirming the existence of a pathway by taking along the likes of the Wilson twins, McMeekin and Kellock. 

I agree on Osborne, Gillies and especially McMeekin. There is an opportunity to show a true pathway at Hearts, to galvanise what already been demonstrated with the older Wilson.

Osborne and McMeekin could really advance Hearts elite youth pathway. Kelloch’s time will come.

[sr2008]

23 minutes ago, FIGJAM said:

I agree on Osborne, Gillies and especially McMeekin. There is an opportunity to show a true pathway at Hearts, to galvanise what already been demonstrated with the older Wilson.

Osborne and McMeekin could really advance Hearts elite youth pathway. Kelloch’s time will come.

For those who watch the youth teams is McMeekin one of the top prospects of recent years? I have seen his name mentioned a lot and wondered if he is viewed as one of those exceptional  prospects that only come along every so often?

[FIGJAM]

2 hours ago, sr2008 said:

For those who watch the youth teams is McMeekin one of the top prospects of recent years? I have seen his name mentioned a lot and wondered if he is viewed as one of those exceptional  prospects that only come along every so often?

In a word, Yes. Kid only 15 but a clear stand out. Normal pathway cannot apply to him.

[Footballfirst]

5 hours ago, FIGJAM said:

In a word, Yes. Kid only 15 but a clear stand out. Normal pathway cannot apply to him.

He should at least be put on a similar fast track to James Wilson.  If not, then I suspect he will be off down South in January/February.

 

I would like him to be playing against adults ASAP, but that doesn't appear possible as The SPFL, LL and EOSFL all have a minimum age of 16. However, there is an exception for the upcoming Challenge Cup which allows B Teams to play 15 year olds. That could give him six games worth of experience, not necessarily 90 minutes each game, but a good development opportunity all the same.

 

All the above would of course be dependent on how he performs and hopefully stays injury free over the next few months.

[Babertonhearts]

Don't expect any of them to go to Spain, first team squad is far too big. I expect Gillies to go to Spartans or perhaps East Fife, top heavy with centre halves is first team and need to offload rapid.

[Footballfirst]

I don't normally comment on results of the younger age groups at the academy, but the scores/scorers this morning made me smile.

 

I only saw the first two Hearts U11s v Hibs games, but Hearts won them both.

It was 5-1 in one of the games  which was great.

But in the other, Hearts young attacker Robertson scored a hat trick.

  

Edited June 21 by Footballfirst

[Portable Badger]

23 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

I don't normally comment on results of the younger age groups at the academy, but the scores/scorers this morning made me smile.

 

I only saw the first two Hearts U11s v Hibs games, but Hearts won them both.

It was 5-1 in one of the games  which was great.

But in the other, Hearts young attacker Robertson scored a hat trick.

  

Omens indeed 🙏

[Gorgierools]

2 hours ago, Footballfirst said:

I don't normally comment on results of the younger age groups at the academy, but the scores/scorers this morning made me smile.

 

I only saw the first two Hearts U11s v Hibs games, but Hearts won them both.

It was 5-1 in one of the games  which was great.

But in the other, Hearts young attacker Robertson scored a hat trick.

  

Karma or natural order. I’ll take either 

[BM1874]

On 21/06/2025 at 13:56, Footballfirst said:

I don't normally comment on results of the younger age groups at the academy, but the scores/scorers this morning made me smile.

 

I only saw the first two Hearts U11s v Hibs games, but Hearts won them both.

It was 5-1 in one of the games  which was great.

But in the other, Hearts young attacker Robertson scored a hat trick.

  

Did you catch any of the games played today at all?

[GorgieRules22]

Under 12’s today was Hearts 0 Hibs 4

Hearts 2 Hibs 1…and in the other games it was Hearts 1 Hibs 5, Hearts 4 Hibs 1

No idea about the under 10’s

 

[JAYEL]

Another new face in the Academy….

 

 

[jamboinglasgow]

https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/pages/b-team-fixtures

 

Official website now has all the b team friendlies put up. First one is Tuesday away to Musselburgh

[Footballfirst]

1 hour ago, jamboinglasgow said:

https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/pages/b-team-fixtures

 

Official website now has all the b team friendlies put up. First one is Tuesday away to Musselburgh

They also have a second game scheduled for Saturday 5th July.

Penicuik Athletic XI – Heart of Midlothian B (3pm) – Aaron Somerville Testimonial

[Smithian]

On 17/06/2025 at 16:53, Footballfirst said:

It would be fine if it was possible, but I'd suspect the best prospects might be out our price range at 18/19, e.g. players released by the top EPL academies.

 

After hearing about Aberdeen's approach, I think Hearts are wrong to maintain three teams at U17, U19 and B Team. It's completely over the top and I'm sure the club already knows that several players don't have a future at Hearts, beyond being a jersey filler for the B Team or U19s.  As I said in my previous post, the new cooperation loan scheme works against the need for an U19 side.  It would be much more beneficial for Hearts player development sending out two groups of three on loan and releasing maybe a dozen others with a limited future. 

I don't agree with this.

 

I think last season finally saw the B Team pay off. U18 to first team is an impossible jump. B Team narrows the gap slightly and prepared players to be successful in loans to third team and Championship sides. We have a lot of players who were overqualified to be playing other teenagers challenged in the Lowland league

 

And by pushing up talented 17 and 18 year olds, the U18 team now allows for younger players to age up and be challenged.

 

I don't think it would be some huge blow if Hearts moved on from a traditional U18/U19 team, but the approach seems to be working and we are in a city where we have enough talent to fill those roles and have the finances to go and add the odd signing to compete for those teams. No reason to give up a venue to challenge young talent against older players. 

 

As far as the jersey filler, that's true for any team. No club on Earth has a youth team full of players who have a future at the club. There are who are kept around for their good attitude and lack of better option, and it's a two way relationship where they let Hearts field competitive developmental teams and those young players get an opportunity to see if they can breakthrough or more likely showcase themselves to be picked up by smaller clubs. I'm certain clubs like Raith and Stenhousemuir are keeping an eye on Hearts youth who aren't top of the list same way as Hearts probably are evaluating talent in England who aren't likely to make it at their EPL or Championship side.

[FIGJAM]

1 hour ago, Smithian said:

I don't agree with this.

 

I think last season finally saw the B Team pay off. U18 to first team is an impossible jump. B Team narrows the gap slightly and prepared players to be successful in loans to third team and Championship sides. We have a lot of players who were overqualified to be playing other teenagers challenged in the Lowland league

 

And by pushing up talented 17 and 18 year olds, the U18 team now allows for younger players to age up and be challenged.

 

I don't think it would be some huge blow if Hearts moved on from a traditional U18/U19 team, but the approach seems to be working and we are in a city where we have enough talent to fill those roles and have the finances to go and add the odd signing to compete for those teams. No reason to give up a venue to challenge young talent against older players. 

 

As far as the jersey filler, that's true for any team. No club on Earth has a youth team full of players who have a future at the club. There are who are kept around for their good attitude and lack of better option, and it's a two way relationship where they let Hearts field competitive developmental teams and those young players get an opportunity to see if they can breakthrough or more likely showcase themselves to be picked up by smaller clubs. I'm certain clubs like Raith and Stenhousemuir are keeping an eye on Hearts youth who aren't top of the list same way as Hearts probably are evaluating talent in England who aren't likely to make it at their EPL or Championship side.

For me, my slight disappointment in the summer activity means very few young players will fly to Spain tomorrow due to a current bloated first team squad. Hearts currently have 2 “special” players for whom normal rules don’t apply. I would love to see DM talk a bit more about youth development. He likely will when settled.

Would expect Tait, Sandilands, Gillies and Osborne to be key loan moves - news likely to come out soon.

Looking forward to Tuesday.

Edited June 27 by FIGJAM

[Chuck Berry]

18 hours ago, Footballfirst said:

They also have a second game scheduled for Saturday 5th July.

Penicuik Athletic XI – Heart of Midlothian B (3pm) – Aaron Somerville Testimonial

 

I wonder if that's now been designated an U19 side?

[jamboinglasgow]

I see Alfie Hutchinson has signed for Newcastle, a year after moving from us to Rangers.

 

I remember seeing someone say on here that the reason he went to Rangers was that the plan was for him to move to Arsenal this season. His agent wanted him to move to Rangers first as it meant they could get a bigger contract when they move to Arsenal. Everything had been agreed with Rangers for this (as it means Rangers get decent compensation for a player who is with them for 1 year.

 

Now obviously he has gone to Newcastle rather than Arsenal but I do find it curious.

[Footballfirst]

2 hours ago, jamboinglasgow said:

Now obviously he has gone to Newcastle rather than Arsenal but I do find it curious.

I think he struggled last season to reach expectations after his move from Hearts.  He was very poor in the Victory Shield (U16s).

 

He has followed Oli Goodbrand to Newcastle, an equally highly rated youngster last season. I don't know if they share the same agent.

 

[Chuck Berry]

Upcoming B team friendlies - all away from home;

 

1st July: Musselburgh Athletic

2nd July: Stoneyburn

5th July: Blackburn United

5th July: Penicuik Athletic (possibly U19??)

8th July: Spartans

11th July: Burnley U19s

19th July: Dunbar United

26th July: opening Lowland League fixture

 

The Lowland League fixtures will be released at 9.00am tomorrow.

[Footballfirst]

2 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said:

Upcoming B team friendlies - all away from home;

 

1st July: Musselburgh Athletic

2nd July: Stoneyburn

5th July: Blackburn United

5th July: Penicuik Athletic (possibly U19??)

8th July: Spartans

11th July: Burnley U19s

19th July: Dunbar United

26th July: opening Lowland League fixture

 

The Lowland League fixtures will be released at 9.00am tomorrow.

Penicuik (tier 6) should have a stronger side than Blackburn (tier 7), so I think Hearts are likely to play more B team players in that one, but It could well be a mix and match between B team and U19 players in both games.

[Chuck Berry]

Just now, Footballfirst said:

Penicuik (tier 6) should have a stronger side than Blackburn (tier 7), so I think Hearts are likely to play more B team players in that one, but It could well be a mix and match between B team and U19 players in both games.

 

I was under the impression it was a mix and match, but it's odd the fixture doesn't appear on the website whilst the Blackburn one does.

[Footballfirst]

8 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said:

I was under the impression it was a mix and match, but it's odd the fixture doesn't appear on the website whilst the Blackburn one does.

This was Penicuik's announcement from May

 

[Chuck Berry]

Yeah I saw that, I think it will likely be B/U19 mix across both games.

[Footballfirst]

Reasonable prices of £6/£3 for Tuesday's game at Musselburgh.

[Mikey1874]

[Chuck Berry]

I believe Musselburgh are doing a programme for tonight's game for the  collectors out there, as are Blackburn and Penicuik on Saturday.

[jamboinglasgow]

 

[jamboinglasgow]

Half time 1-1

 

 

Interesting to see Plank, L. Smith and Henry all playing, they were all contracted till this summer so must have had extensions (surprised the club haven't announced it yet.)

 

I recognise every name of the two XIs except J Donkor.

[Footballfirst]

1 hour ago, jamboinglasgow said:

Half time 1-1

 

 

Interesting to see Plank, L. Smith and Henry all playing, they were all contracted till this summer so must have had extensions (surprised the club haven't announced it yet.)

 

I recognise every name of the two XIs except J Donkor.

I think this is the lad, most recently at Manchester United, but previously at Arsenal.  Has a bit of skill and pace with the ball at his feet (he had a couple of runs), but otherwise didn't seem to know what he should be doing either in an attacking or defensive sense the rest of the time.

 

https://www.unitedinfocus.com/academy/jaedon-donkor-signs-for-manchester-united/

[RustyRightPeg]

1 minute ago, Footballfirst said:

I think this is the lad, most recently at Manchester United, but previously at Arsenal.  Has a bit of skill and pace with the ball at his feet (he had a couple of runs), but otherwise didn't seem to know what he should be doing either in an attacking or defensive sense the rest of the time.

 

https://www.unitedinfocus.com/academy/jaedon-donkor-signs-for-manchester-united/

Why do you think Sandilands isn’t included with the 1st team?

[Footballfirst]

It was a fairly scrappy game with too many fouls making it stop start.  Matty Gillies scored from a free kick, although the Mussy keeper should have saved it. Mussy's equaliser saw Todd head home from close range from an excellent Gabri Auriemma free kick (Gabri had a few years in the Hearts Academy).  The only player who I thought stood out for Hearts was Alfie Osborne, just for his calmness and composure on the ball.

 

I think we can expect some younger players (U17s) to play in tomorrow night's game at Stoneyburn.

[FIGJAM]

6 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

Why do you think Sandilands isn’t included with the 1st team?

Essentially numbers. 28 in Spain not including injured players. Need a few to leave before the boy gets his chance.

[Footballfirst]

7 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

Why do you think Sandilands isn’t included with the 1st team?

I can only guess that the club wants him to go out on loan again (not likely to feature with Hearts). Macaulay Tait is in the same boat, but has already been shipped out to Livvy.

 

I'd assume keepers Stone and McFarlane will do likewise.

[RustyRightPeg]

1 minute ago, Footballfirst said:

I can only guess that the club wants him to go out on loan again (not likely to feature with Hearts). Macaulay Tait is in the same boat, but has already been shipped out to Livvy.

 

I'd assume keepers Stone and McFarlane will do likewise.

He feels like a DMc player to me. Lots of energy and endeavour. Plenty to work with.