Sporting director Graeme Mathie believes Hibs' new partnership with Civil Service Strollers is the perfect way to give young players a shot at the professional game.
The Easter Road side confirmed a formal link-up with the Christie Gillies Park side following on from similar agreements with Brighton, Stenhousemuir, and American side Charleston Battery.
The model will allow some of Jack Ross' youngsters to get their first shot at first-team football in the pyramid.
The announcement follows the introduction of Rangers and Celtic Colt teams to tier five as a way to nurture the talent at the Glasgow giants.
Mathie believes the loanees sent to Strollers could be key for the next generation of talent in the capital.
He said: “This strategic partnership is another key step in our Player Pathway model.
We have utilised the loan system as part of our player development strategy for some time now and are convinced that early exposure to men’s football is key to the transition of young players from the Academy into the professional game.
“Civil Service Strollers have been an excellent partner for us for a number of seasons now and we are delighted to formalise the relationship at this time.”
Keith Stewart, Civil Service Strollers club secretary, added: "“We have always embraced the need for improvement and this partnership is a win-win for the clubs, young players and the future of our game."
