Hibs Academy Pair Join East Kilbride On Loan!

We can confirm goalkeeper Freddie Owens and forward Dean Cleland have joined East Kilbride on cooperation loans for the 2025/26 season!

19-year-old keeper Owens joins up with the newly-promoted William Hill League Two side after impressing at Civil Service Strollers in the Lowland League last season.

Cleland, aged 17, also joins the K-Park club on loan after scoring 38 times for Hibs Under-18s last season in competitive matches as Darren McGregor’s side secured the CAS Elite Youth League title. 

Owens and Cleland will be able to continue playing for Hibs while performing for East Kilbride due to the new Cooperation System.

This new Cooperation System allows eligible players to continue playing for their parent club while gaining invaluable senior football experience with their partner club, therefore increasing their playing time.

On the loan moves of Owens and Cleland, Hibernian FC’s Academy Director Gareth Evans commented: “Freddie did very well at Civil Service Strollers last season in what was a good campaign for them, and Dean really impressed in our Under-18s team. 

“Challenging themselves in League Two, and playing for a good club like East Kilbride, is great for Freddie and Dean in terms of their development and hopefully both will now get minutes at a higher level."