Edinburgh Monarchs Academy Introduced as Armadale Devils Moniker Retired

NEWS Tuesday 17th January 2023, 4:15pm

by PR Team

The Club are excited to announce a new direction for the National Development League team seeking to drive rider progression into the future - introducing Edinburgh Monarchs Academy!

Monarchs Speedway Academy (MSA) has been creating waves in the youth development scene in Scotland since its inception in 2021 and the opportunity is being taken to evolve the top level of the project.

Monarchs Co-Promoter John Campbell explained, "Since the return of National Development League racing to Armadale Stadium the team has always been the development team of the Monarchs.

"Recognising the terrific work that the Monarchs Speedway Academy is doing, while reassessing how National Development League racing fits into this pathway, we are excited to rebrand our NDL team so it is more closely aligned with both our development programme and the Monarchs as a whole."

The new development team will be known as the Edinburgh Monarchs Academy and will operate closer to the Monarchs family.

Campbell continued, "This new direction will enable the Club to further highlight the activities of the MSA as we focus on significantly growing the opportunities we can offer young riders and boosting the numbers of those participating.

"By retiring the Armadale Devils moniker, young riders can now fully focus on their development in the sport with the Monarchs. We hope they will dream of reaching the Monarchs Academy team and then graduating into a fully-fledged Monarch thereafter."

The new Academy team will be the final stage of the Monarchs Speedway Academy development pathway before riders will graduate into the Monarchs team. This pathway offers youngsters a complete route from first getting involved in speedway at a young age right through to joining the professional ranks.

The Monarchs Academy National Development League team will also see some further changes both on and off-track, said Campbell, "This point in time could be seen as a reboot of what we are doing at this level of racing.

"At the end of the 2022 season the Armadale Devils team manager Alan Budzynski informed me that he would be stepping down from this position.

"Alan has put in a power of work since the return of NDL racing to Armadale and I place on record my massive thanks for his commitment and efforts to support the team. I also welcome Alan's vital continued involvement with our Northern Junior League set up.

"Furthermore, the team on track will take a completely different shape to recent seasons with an entirely refreshed line up. I wish to thank all those who have ridden for the Devils who are moving on.

"I also wish to say that it will be a great shame that Josh Embleton will not be able to continue with his speedway racing due to his current employment situation. Josh showed great improvement last season and I hope to see him back racing in the future with Monarchs Academy.

"Announcements about our plans for the 2023 season will follow in the days ahead. We are thrilled to bring the Monarchs Academy team to track and are sure to offer something that will excite all Monarchs supporters."

Rider announcements will follow shortly - keep an eye on the official Monarchs website for full details.