Orion Group Announces Sponsorship of Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC Youth Academy

Orion Group is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC (ICTFC) Youth Academy, further strengthening the company’s long-standing support for young people, local sport, and community development across the Highlands. This sponsorship reflects Orion’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves and investing in the next generation of local talent.

The partnership will see the Orion Group logo proudly displayed on the Academy’s home kits, worn by 122 young players aged between 11 and 19. These young athletes are supported by 16 dedicated coaches and volunteers who help create an environment where passion, discipline, and teamwork can flourish. By supporting the Academy, Orion is helping ensure that players from across the region have the resources, structure, and encouragement they need to progress both in football and in life.

Investing in the Future of Highland Football

For many young people across Inverness and the surrounding area, football provides more than just a sport. It offers a sense of belonging, an opportunity to grow, and a pathway to lifelong skills such as teamwork, determination, and leadership. The ICTFC Youth Academy has long been a hub for this development, offering structured coaching programmes that nurture talent and help young players reach their full potential.

With the Highlands spanning a vast geographic area, the Academy plays a vital role in ensuring that young people from diverse communities can access high-quality football training. The Academy’s catchment area includes Inverness, the Highlands, the Islands, Moray, and Aberdeenshire, giving young players from remote and rural areas the chance to be part of a professional coaching setup. This helps create opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach for many families and young athletes.

Orion Group’s sponsorship helps ensure that the Academy can continue to provide this inclusive, professional pathway for youth development. The financial and community support offered through this partnership will assist in sustaining essential programmes, providing kit and resources, and enabling the Academy to reach even more young players across the region.

A Partnership Grounded in Community Values

Community involvement has always been woven into the culture of Orion Group. With its headquarters based in Inverness, the company has built a strong reputation not only through its global recruitment services but through its continuous support of charitable causes, regional events, and youth sport initiatives. Orion understands that businesses play an important role in strengthening local communities, especially in regions where opportunities for young people must be nurtured and protected.

The sponsorship of ICTFC’s Youth Academy is a natural extension of this philosophy. By supporting the next generation of footballers, Orion is helping provide young people with positive role models, healthy outlets, and the confidence to pursue their ambitions. This collaborative investment in the future of Highland youth exemplifies Orion’s belief in contributing meaningfully to the places where its employees, clients, and families live and work.

ICTFC Youth Academy: A Proven Track Record of Success

The Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC Youth Academy is well recognised for its impressive track record in developing home-grown players. Over the years, numerous Academy graduates have progressed to the senior team and beyond, playing at national and international levels. This strong development pipeline highlights the quality of coaching and the Academy’s commitment to fostering talent from an early age.

For many young athletes, joining the Academy is a pivotal moment in their sporting journey. It provides:

• Professional coaching and training programmes
• Access to advanced facilities and structured sessions
• Support from UEFA-qualified coaches
• A clear pathway into senior football
• A positive environment focused on character development

These elements combine to create an environment where young players feel supported, inspired, and motivated to achieve their best. With Orion Group’s support, the Academy can continue to strengthen its programmes and maintain high standards of youth development.

Support and Praise from ICTFC Leadership

The announcement of the sponsorship has been warmly welcomed by the ICTFC community. Arthur Jack, Head of Children’s Academy at Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and emphasised the impact it will have on the Academy’s future.

“It’s fantastic to have the Orion Group sponsor the ICTFC Youth Academy. The Academy has a proud history of producing its own home-grown players, many who have gone on to play at a higher level. With the club sitting at the top of Scottish League One, and the current management team keen to progress Academy graduates into the first team, it’s great to team up with the Orion Group. Their commitment underlines the strength of our partnership and their belief in the club’s vision for the future.”

His comments underline the importance of sustained investment in youth football, especially at a time when the club is building momentum both on and off the pitch. The Academy plays a vital role in developing future first-team players and ensuring long-term success for ICTFC.

Orion Group’s Commitment to Local Talent

Paul Savage, Managing Director at Orion Group, also shared his thoughts on the sponsorship and the company’s long-standing support for community initiatives.

“We’re delighted to support ICTFC’s Youth Academy. Nurturing young talent and contributing positively to local communities is a core value of our business, and we’re proud to help these players develop both on and off the pitch.”

His comments reflect the organisation’s broader commitment to fostering talent, encouraging community involvement, and helping young people thrive. By supporting the Youth Academy, Orion Group is contributing to a legacy that will benefit the region for years to come.

Strengthening Grassroots Sport Across the Highlands

Football continues to be one of the most powerful tools for community engagement in the Highlands. Whether it is a child joining their first team, a teenager striving for senior-level opportunities, or a family supporting their local club, the sport brings people together in meaningful ways.

Grassroots programmes are essential to this ecosystem. They introduce children to sport early, promote physical and mental well-being, and create a foundation for local clubs to build upon. With support from partners like Orion Group, these programmes become stronger, more resilient, and more accessible.

The sponsorship of the ICTFC Youth Academy has benefits far beyond the football pitch. It supports:

• Youth confidence and self-esteem
• Healthy lifestyles and physical fitness
• Community identity and pride
• Skill development and teamwork
• Positive pathways for young people across the region

These broader societal benefits underscore why partnerships between businesses and youth sport organisations are so valuable.

Looking Ahead: A Season of Opportunity and Growth

As the new season unfolds, Orion Group looks forward to following the progress of the Academy teams and celebrating their achievements. The players, coaches, and families at ICTFC work tirelessly to support the success of the Academy, and this sponsorship will help strengthen their efforts both now and in the future.

With Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC continuing to build a strong presence in Scottish football, the club’s commitment to nurturing home-grown talent has never been more important. The Youth Academy represents the heart of that mission, providing the pathway through which the next generation of players can rise.

Orion Group is proud to stand alongside the Academy as it continues this important work. The company remains committed to supporting grassroots sport, developing opportunities for young people, and contributing to vibrant, resilient communities across the Highlands.