Hamilton Academical Football Club can confirm that we will be joining the Union of European Clubs (UEC).
The UEC represents clubs across Europe who may not always have a voice in the wider game, with a particular focus on sustainability, governance and infrastructure for small and medium-sized clubs. These are areas that are increasingly important for clubs like Hamilton as football continues to evolve at every level.
Joining the UEC gives Hamilton Academical the opportunity to be part of a wider European network, sharing knowledge and best practice with clubs facing similar challenges, while ensuring that the interests of community-based clubs are better represented in discussions that shape the future of the game.
We are proud to become both Scotland’s first club to join but also the oldest club to join the UEC, alongside the likes of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Lokomotiva Zagreb, Burnley FC, and CA Osasuna.
On joining the UEC, Interim CEO Rebecca Nuttall said: “I am absolutely delighted that Hamilton Academical has joined the Union of European Clubs. This is a significant moment in our club’s long and proud history, and it reflects our commitment to building a fairer, more sustainable future for football. The challenges we face domestically are increasingly echoed across Europe, and joining the UEC allows us to work collaboratively with like minded clubs to champion meaningful reform, strengthen competitive balance, and protect the integrity of the football pyramid.
Our values align closely with the UEC’s mission, from promoting solidarity based policies and fair financial distribution, to supporting player development reward mechanisms that ensure clubs investing in youth are appropriately recognised. The UEC also provides an important platform to address long neglected issues such as financial sustainability, fan accessibility, safeguarding club heritage, and ensuring governance structures truly represent all clubs, not only the most powerful.
As a member of the Executive Board (representing Haverfordwest County AFC), I am honoured that Hamilton Academical will be part of the wider discussions. I look forward to contributing to forward thinking policy, championing transparency, and helping ensure that clubs of every size have the opportunity to thrive. We believe can build a European football landscape rooted in fairness, ambition, and opportunity for all.”
Hamilton Academical has a long history of developing players, serving its community and adapting to change, and this move reflects our commitment to building a sustainable future for the club.
We look forward to working alongside fellow UEC member clubs and playing our part in supporting a fairer and more balanced football landscape across Europe.
