Livi stopper Hastings appointed new Head of Community Coaching at club

Dec 16 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

LIVINGSTON Football Club stopper and graduate of their highly acclaimed youth team has been confirmed as the club’s new Head of Community Coaching.

In his new role Neil Hastings will be responsible for the club's provision of coaching to children under the age of 13.

The new appointment has been made following the club's recent re-entry to the SFA Youth Initiative programme for children aged 13 and over, and will give renewed impetus to the club's efforts in developing younger footballers and promoting participation in football within the West Lothian area.

One of Neil's primary tasks will be to build on the existing coaching team, appointing coaches with the necessary experience, qualifications and skills to help Livingston to move forward in this critical area.

Hastings said: “Coaching is something I've been getting into for the last three to four years, and I see this is a great opportunity for me to further my career, and to help produce a new generation of players capable of playing professionally for Livingston.”

Neil's predecessor, Leigh Robertson, will move into a new administrative role within the club.

Confirming the appointment, Brian Welsh, Head of Youth Development, added: “I'm delighted to have been able to promote someone from our own youth system to this important position within the club.

“Indeed we are fortunate that we have several players at the club who are showing an interest in coaching.

“Among these are several members of our current under–19 squad and Cameron MacDonald, all of whom are extremely enthusiastic and have shown great aptitude for coaching.

“Given that they have progressed through the same system they now work within, they make excellent role models for budding young Livingston players.”