East Kilbride have confirmed a co-operation agreement with Celtic, with three Hoops youngsters joining the club as part of the arrangement.

The League Two side announced the deal on X, confirming that Rhys Dargie, Marcus Gill and Liam Kennedy have all made the move to East Kilbride.

East Kilbride Football Club can today confirm a Co-operation Agreement with Scottish Premiership side, Celtic.

As part of this agreement, the previously announced, Rhys Dargie, alongside goalkeeper, Marcus Gill & midfielder, Liam Kennedy have joined the club.#WelcomeToEK pic.twitter.com/kLqQi5yMiX

— East Kilbride FC (@officialEKFC) September 3, 2026

Celtic were reportedly previously working on a co-operation agreement with East Kilbride, with the move viewed as part of the club’s plan to create clearer development paths for young players.

That agreement has now been confirmed, giving Celtic another pathway for academy players to get senior football while remaining close to the club’s wider development structure.

Dargie’s move had already been announced, with the forward heading out to gain first-team experience. He will now be joined by goalkeeper Gill and midfielder Kennedy as East Kilbride strengthen their squad through the new partnership.

Young players need competitive football at the right stage of their development, and East Kilbride can now provide minutes in League One.

The move also allows Celtic to keep a close eye on players who are still part of their long-term pathway, rather than sending them into less connected loan arrangements.

East Kilbride have been building steadily in recent years and this agreement gives them access to young players from one of the strongest academy systems in the country.

For Dargie, Gill and Kennedy, the challenge now is straightforward: get games, handle senior football, and show Celtic they can take the next step.