Goalkeeper Aidan Rice and midfielder Owen Hartington, pictured above with Murdo MacLeod, have both joined the club on loan under the partnership, which was introduced last year following the findings of the Scottish FA’s Transition Report published in 2024, which showed that there hadn’t been enough opportunities for younger players between the ages of 16 and 21 to play senior football.
It then allows players under the age of 21 and eligible for the Scotland National Team to move between their parent club and partner clubs freely, outside of transfer windows.
Frank McKeown, manager of Dumbarton Football Club, said: “We have been in communication with Celtic and working on the details for several months. I am confident that this will be a beneficial partnership for both Dumbarton and Celtic.
“Both Aidan and Owen have been terrific additions to our squad and are learning every week in a competitive League Two environment. My thanks go to Chris McCart and everyone at Celtic, as well as those behind the scenes at Dumbarton, for their work to get the co-operation agreement in place.
“We’re looking forward to working with Celtic and their young players over the course of the season and supporting them in the next stage of their development.”
News from Sons
Join us for the new campaign
Join Owen and Aidan in getting on board for the 2026/27 campaign. Season tickets are on sale now.
Our Pass it On campaign also returns for 2026, where you can donate a season ticket to a local youngster for just £30.
Know someone turning 7 this year? Our Gen7 programme gives them and an adult free access to league matches for a full calendar year from their seventh birthday.
Sponsor our young Celts’ kits this season
Want to sponsor Owen or Aidan’s kit for the new campaign, and receive their signed, match-worn shirt at the end of the season? Aidan’s home and away kits and Owen’s away kit are available to sponsor for £200. Email Jordan.McKerry@Dumbartonfc.co.uk to secure it!