Hibs Agree Partnership With FC Edinburgh

The partnership will bring the two clubs closer together and see a collaboration on matters including youth player development, community work, and more.

As per the last few seasons, Hibs will continue to loan young talent to FC Edinburgh, so they gain a taste of regular men’s football – a vital step for any young player.

This kind of loan spell has bear fruit for a number of the Club’s Academy graduates in the past with Ryan Porteous and Josh Campbell having successful periods before breaking into the First Team at Easter Road.

In keeping with this, and after a beneficial six months on loan in League 2 last season, Jack Brydon will return to FC Edinburgh for the 2022/23 season. The 18-year-old will gain a further taste of the senior game – at a higher level after their promotion – after impressing during our pre-season training camp in Portugal.

The partnership will also see Hibernian Women have a new home at Meadowbank – the home ground of FC Edinburgh! Dean Gibson’s side will train and play out of the Edinburgh-based stadium as they progress towards becoming a completely full-time outfit. You can purchase your season ticket to watch them, by CLICKING HERE!

Alongside this, there will be an annual friendly organized between Hibs and FC Edinburgh at Meadowbank to shine a light on the connection.

With the two clubs in such close proximity in the heart of Edinburgh and Leith, the two will also look to benefit the local community. This will be through a variety of schemes and youth development plans.

On the five-year partnership, Hibernian FC Chief Executive Ben Kensell commented: “We’re delighted to have agreed this partnership with FC Edinburgh. It brings together two clubs that are in the heart of the community and will help both achieve success both on and off the pitch.

“Firstly, I am thrilled that we’ve been able to bring Hibernian Women back home to Edinburgh, exactly where they belong. We saw how popular the Edinburgh Derby was when they played at Easter Road – with over 5,500 supporters in attendance – so we wanted to make it as easy as possible for our supporters to attend their games. Having a home at Meadowbank will hopefully do that and help the Women’s game grow.

“Alongside this, it provides a great pathway for our young players and will help us work closely with supporters in the community, both of which are incredibly vital for the future of both clubs.

“The five-year partnership shows a great commitment between the two teams and I’m sure we will both flourish because of it.”

Jim Brown, Chairman at FC Edinburgh, added: “We’ve always had a good relationship with Hibernian FC and signing this five-year partnership takes it one step further.

“We believe FC Edinburgh is a great place for the young players at Hibs to develop and be First Team ready, alongside helping us to reach our goal of constant progression and competing in cinch League 1 after our promotion last season.

“The partnership will really benefit the community and local people as we get out and about in the community and offer a plethora of football at Meadowbank following the link-up with the women’s team.

“We’d also like to thank Hibs for agreeing to have an annual friendly at Meadowbank; that’ll provide vital funds for the running of the Club. We look forward to seeing how this partnership progresses.”

This is the second strategic football club partnership that Hibs has in play, adding to the connection with US-based side Charleston Battery.