THE Rangers Youth Development Company have handed over another £175,000 to the Light Blues’ Academy to help the next generation of Ibrox stars.

The RYDC has raised more than £7.5million in the last 15 years as they continue their commitment to the Auchenhowie system.

Funds from a range of RYDC initiatives are invested into the structure that is overseen by Head of Academy Craig Mulholland.

And the Gers youth chief is delighted that the backing of supporters will aid the progress of the kids under his tutelage.

Mulholland said: “The Rangers Youth Development Company has supported the Academy since 1962 and we are delighted to receive this £175,000 donation.

“RYDC donations help support us in a number of key areas and the changes we have made to the Academy in the last two years in terms of ambition, culture and playing style would not be possible without this wonderful support.

“The fantastic contribution has helped us recruit a number of new staff who are regarded as some of the best in youth development, has assisted in our exciting new schools project which has seen almost 30 young Rangers players moving school to Boclair Academy with these players now doing an incredible 15 hours of football practice per week, dramatically increase our cross border ‘best v best’ challenges with the Academy now playing almost 170 games against top European clubs this year and also supported a range of other new projects such as the introduction of futsal, multi-sports, Coerver coaching, bio banding and great online resources to help develop our players.

“It has been an exciting year with great change and big thanks must go to the RYDC, Colin Stewart and his team and our club’s supporters for helping build an exciting future.

“We are extremely confident that these changes, the support from the board and first team management and our new one club philosophy, which puts youth development at the heart of the clubs business plan, will see some of the exceptional talent we have at ages 15,16 and 17 become Rangers first team players over the next couple of years.

“The continued support we receive from RYDC, and the backing RYDC receive from our fans, will never be taken for granted and their support is greatly appreciated by everyone at the Academy.”