I would like to address the recent uncertainty and speculation regarding our decision to temporarily pause the U17 and U19 ‘academy’ setup at Kelty Hearts Football club. 

We’ve spent the last several months evaluating every aspect of this football club. That starts with the first team, the off-field operations, the match day experience and goes all the way down to the youth setup at this club. Throughout this process, I’ve been shocked and dismayed at the current ‘academy’ setup that we inherited when we bought this club. We have observed that:

• The academy was hastily set up without full compliance of SFA rules and regulations
• The academy has had extremely poor financial management, with no oversight of the academy bank accounts or a clear picture of who has access to the finances or where that money is going
• The academy does not have a proper academy director with the prerequisite qualifications and experience to oversee a professional level academy.

In recent months, we have highlighted the above concerns with the leadership at the ‘academy,’ giving them ample opportunity to address these issues so we can move forward into next season. Unfortunately, none of the issues have been addressed, and that has led to our decision to pause the academy setup.

I want to be clear: in no way does this affect our commitment to youth football in the Kelty. We fully support the Kelty Hearts Community Club and it will always be a hugely important part of the wider Kelty Hearts family. Since its inception in 2018, the Community Club has played a vital role in developing players, creating opportunities for young people, and strengthening the connection between the club and our local community.

We want to reassure players, parents, coaches, volunteers, supporters, and sponsors that Kelty Hearts Community Club will continue to be a key part of our future for many years to come.

Everyone involved with Kelty Hearts Football Club remains fully committed to working closely alongside the Community Club to provide clarity, stability, and continued support across all age groups and sections. There are no changes to the commitment we have towards the Community Club, and we look forward to continuing to help it grow and thrive in the years ahead.

Kelty Hearts will also continue to work positively with Fife Council to ensure New Central Park remains a multi-use facility that serves the wider community. This includes maintaining access for schools and Kelty Hearts Community Club at pricing levels that remain fair and in line with comparable facilities across Fife.

I completely understand the wider concerns regarding our decision, especially in light of the false and misleading information that is being circulated online. I only ask that you give us the time and space to address these issues so we can build a proper youth setup that everyone in this community is proud of for future generations.

Jordan Gardner

Chairman, Kelty Hearts Football Club