Clubs across the SPFL pyramid have now begun entering into Cooperation Agreements, with young players already on the move looking for increased playing opportunities. 

The Cooperation System was voted through by clubs following recommendations by the Scottish FA's Transition Report.

The new system provides greater flexibility to the previous domestic loan quotas by enabling players in the key ‘transition phase’ of 16-21, who are eligible to represent the Scotland national teams, to join a lower-league club but be able to move between the parent and cooperation club throughout the season to increase playing time.

Further details on the Cooperation System can be found here. 

Hibernian, who finished third in the William Hill Premiership last season, were the first to announce their first Cooperation Agreement with newly-promoted League Two side East Kilbride in early July. Goalkeeper Freddie Owens and forward Dean Cleland then moved to K-Park after the agreement was confirmed.

With clubs permitted to sign multiple Cooperation Agreements with sides at different levels, Scottish Cup winners Aberdeen entered into two partnerships with League One Kelty Hearts and League Two Elgin City. Defenders Dylan Ross and Jamie Mercer have joined City, with youngsters Lewis Carrol, Joseph Teasdale and Cooper Masson heading to Fife.

Zander Craik, Josh Gilmour and Duncan Barlow have also moved from Kilmarnock to Annan Athletic, after their agreement was announced.

In addition, St Mirren have announced two agreements with League Two side Dumbarton and Lowland League outfit Clydebank, while Ayr United have confirmed their partnership with East Stirlingshire.

Their Ayrshire rivals Kilmarnock have signed agreements with League One side Queen of the South, League Two Annan Athletic and Lowland League side Albion Rovers.

Hearts were next to announce their first agreement at the end of July, partnering with League Two Spartans, who will initial look to help develop young centre-back Kenzi Nair.

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have also entered into a partnership with Championship side Ayr United, with Jude Bonnar and Kyle Ure moving to Somerset Park.

Rangers announced three partnerships in early August, linking up with Raith Rovers, Alloa Athletic and Stirling Albion of the Championship, League One and League Two respectively. 

Fellow top flight clubs Motherwell and Livingston also entered into agreements in August, with the Steelmen partnering with Stenhousemuir and Cowdenbeath and Livi signing an agreement with East Fife.

The confirmed Cooperation Agreements will be listed at the bottom of this page as they are announced throughout the summer.

Cooperation Agreements

Premiership

Aberdeen - Kelty Hearts (League One), Elgin City (League Two)
Celtic - Ayr United (Championship)
Dundee - Brechin City (Lowland League)
Dundee United - Airdrieonians (Championship)
Heart of Midlothian - St Johnstone (Championship), Montrose (League One), Spartans (League Two)
Hibernian - East Kilbride (League Two), Gala Fairydean Rovers (Lowland League)
Kilmarnock - Queen of the South (League One), Annan Athletic (League Two), Albion Rovers (Lowland League)
Livingston - East Fife (League One)
Motherwell - Stenhousemuir (League One), Cowdenbeath (Lowland League)
Rangers - Raith Rovers (Championship), Alloa Athletic (League One), Stirling Albion (League Two)
St Mirren - Dumbarton (League One), Clydebank (Lowland League)

Championship 

Ayr United - East Stirlingshire (Lowland League)
Partick Thistle - Linlithgow Rose (Lowland League)
St Johnstone - Cove Rangers (League One)