Hamilton Accies have confirmed they are pausing their Elite Academy programme from under-11s through to under-15s.
The Lanarkshire club are in disarray due to financial struggles and were recently handed a punishment for a further three breaches of SPFL rules. They failed to settle tax obligations to HMRC three times and did not notify the league governing body on any occasion.
Last season, they were docked 15 points which contributed to their relegation from the Championship and placed under a transfer embargo. That embargo has now been extended through to the end of this season.
Now, the club have written to parents of kids at the relevant age groups to inform them their child his being released.
The later reads: "We are writing to you today with great sincerity, openness, and a genuine sense of understanding following recent developments surrounding our Elite Academy programme.
"Over the course of the last 48hrs, we have taken on board the considerable feedback from families regarding the club’s proposed format for the 2025/26 Academy season at Broadwood Stadium.
"While the plan was created with long-term development in mind, it is clear that it does not meet the current needs or practical realities for most of our players and their families. We respect and accept that outcome wholeheartedly.
Read more:
-
Tottenham release statement as James Maddison to miss majority of season
-
Celtic, Aberdeen & Partick Thistle served partial stadium closures over SPFL charges
"In addition to the feedback received, we have also had to contend with the unexpected resignation of four more of our coaching staff. These events, combined, have placed us in a position where we must make a very difficult, yet ultimately necessary, decision.
"As of today, Hamilton Academical FC will pause all Elite Academy operations across the Under-11 to Under-15 age groups for the 2025/26 season. This step is not one we take lightly. It is, however, vital to ensure that we honour our obligations to the Club Academy Scotland (CAS) framework by providing timely notice and allowing them the opportunity to adjust fixtures and competition structures accordingly.
"We want to be absolutely clear that this is not the end of our Academy journey. On the contrary, this pause allows us the time and space to develop a more considered and sustainable structure - one that better reflects the daily realities of players, parents, and staff.
"It is our full intention to relaunch the Academy across all age levels next season, based within the Hamilton area and shaped around facilities, schedules, and support systems that work for everyone.
"Any parent or child who has signed up for this coming season (2025/26), we confirm that we will endeavour to give you the first opportunity to join the Academy, if you wish to do so, when we are in a position to communicate the new details for next season outwardly.
"For those players and families who have been affected or displaced by this change, please know we are here to help. If you would like support in finding a new club for your child, we will be more than happy to assist with this over the coming weeks. And when the Academy restarts, everyone will be welcome to return, should it be the right fit for your child and your family at that time.
"We can also confirm that any Registrations live on COMET, will Terminated in the coming days for those age groups affected."
