Youth football in Nairn stands on the cusp of a radical new beginning with the announcement  that Nairn County FC will take complete control of its development as part of the club's plans for a new youth-based infrastructure they hope will have long-lasting benefits for their first team.
The ambitious plans, which have the blessing of the SFA, will mean that the club will enter four teams in four different youth leagues which will be a first for any Highland League side.
The four teams will also be under the guidance of fully qualified SFA coaches.
County's plans, which were ratified after three meetings with local enthusiasts and SFA community coaches Ross Jack and Danny MacDonald, are consistent with proposals mooted by the Highland League last year in which the league considered a future youth development programme for all Highland League Clubs to adopt a youth policy with teams aged 14, 16, 18, and 21. In view of the ever increasing demands on running a senior side, it became obvious  to all at Station Park that developing young players is the only way forward for the club.
Although the league's proposals are still in their infancy there is a strong will among officials for the proposals to succeed and they could be implemented soon.
Last season a new Under 21 Development League was formed comprising Nairn County and six other clubs.
This league is deemed to bridge the gap between youth and Highland League football, with several over-age players eligible to play.
In the Under 18 Highland Youth League Nairn are joint leaders of the West Section and unbeaten to date. The Under 18s were formed in 1986 and have resulted in many players breaking through into the senior side.
The Under 14 and Under 16 teams will play in both the summer and winter leagues in Inverness and have a squad maximum of 18 players. All players affiliated to their age group team will get their chance in either the summer or winter leagues.
All teams will play under the name of Nairn County.
North of Scotland FA chief executive John Grant welcomed County's initiative when he told the Nairnshire: "It is gratifying to see Nairn County taking the initiative to develop this youth policy that is in line with the thoughts coming form other clubs within the Highland Football League.
"The development of local young players can only be of benefit to both club and community.
It has to be hoped enough people come along and support the game of football in Nairn with a well organised development programme and SFA Qualified coaches.
Architects of the plans are club directors for youth development Steven Bain and Mike McPherson, and youth coaches Andrew Fraser and Alan Johnston.
Commenting on the developments Mr McPherson said: "In view of the future Highland League Youth Development programme proposals, and the lack of organised winter football for youngsters aged 14 and 16 Nairn County felt it should look at expanding its youth policy, so if and when the Highland League proposal is approved our youth programme would already be up, running and ready.
"By encompassing the age group 14 and 16 it would help eliminate some difficulties we see and experience, and by taking on board SFA guidelines for youth development we would be confident the new set-up would receive funding from the SFA."
Under the present set-up at Station Park it would be impossible to finance five teams, so the club has decided to form a sub-committee which will oversee the managing and fund-raising for each age group.
The Youth Development Committee would be responsible for all aspects of youth development for NCFC, while liaising with team manager, management  committee and directors of the club.
Overseeing the developments off the field will be - youth chairman Mike McPherson, proprietor of Harbour Street Stores and club director; senior vice-chairman Steven Bain, a club director; junior vice-chairman Peter Mackintosh, of Narden (and first team sponsor).
Other committee members are Roz Skinner (minute secretary), Mike Mackinnon (fixture secretary and former boss of Nairn Under 16s) Robbie Hannah, Annie Johnstone, Alfie Burnett, David Nicol and Steven Smith.
On the field the following SFA qualified coaches will be - head youth coach Charlie Kennedy.
Under 21s - Billy Neilson, Danny MacRae, Deyne Miller - all three are present first team squad members.
Under 18's - Andrew Fraser, Alan Johnstone, David Rosie, Stephen McClatchie.
Under 16's - Alan Johnstone, Andrew Fraser, Harold Annad
Under 14's - Gordon Simpson, Gordon Main, Brian MacLeod and Martin Main.
It is estimated to enter two teams in the Inverness summer leagues costs could be as high as £1,000.
With each team expected to have a maximum of 18 players, squad members will be expected to pay a small enrolment fee to help cover registration, training, travel and other associated costs , with concessions for players outwith the squad and families with two or more players.
On receiving  payment an identity card will be issued "giving young players a sense of identity between themselves and the club", said Steven Bain. "They would also receive special concessionary benefits to watch all home Highland League matches involving the senior team."
Soccer 7s for youngsters of primary school age is also high on the club's agenda but they feel that another separate committee has to be formed to oversee its development.
Mr Bain commented: "Ross Jack SFA community coach, is very keen for such a project to start in Nairn and would make himself available to help start up such a scheme.
"The costs would be negligible as the SFA would fund any expenditure for equipment."
Summing up the club's ambitious plans Mr McPherson said: It's of the opininon of NCFC that the future of Highland League football in Nairn lies in youth development and such a programme would benefit the yougsters and the town in the future, although, realising  a greater commitment, organisation and manpower is required, the
club feels that there is a will locally for it to succeed."
County Home page