Thursday 16 November 2017 08:21, UK
The Scottish Football Association has confirmed the bandings for its new Project Brave youth set-up.
Motherwell, Kilmarnock and Hamilton have joined Aberdeen, Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and Hibernian in the 'elite' rank, as reported in recent days.
Ayr, Dundee United, Inverness, Partick Thistle, Ross County, St Mirren, St Johnstone and the Forth Valley academy have been accepted into a second tier 'progressive' category.
Dundee, Morton, Queen's Park and a Fife academy have been awarded 'performance' status. Ross County and Morton's rankings are both subject to potential appeals.
SFA performance director Malky Mackay said: "This is a significant milestone for Project Brave. From day one this has been a collaborative activity.
"The clubs have been engaged at every step, with daily dialogue to help with their applications.
"We have been heartened and inspired by so many of the positive things we have seen in regards to the development of young Scottish footballers and our aim is to assist clubs and encourage them to hit the highest possible standards.
"What I would like to stress is that the bandings are not fixed and they will be reassessed in June 2018. No door is closed to clubs outside of the Elite bracket with aspirations to move up."
