The two clubs made their alignment official earlier this year and will strengthen the partnership on the back of the new side entering the NTFA.

The NTFA granted Old Scotch a provisional licence to enter the NTFA under-18s competition next season and means the men's side will have a complete pathway from junior to senior football.

East Launceston president David Skipper praised the arrangement as a positive step for both clubs.

"It's big because the way the competition is in Tassie, there's under-16s and then there's a massive drop-off, so they either have to go to a TSL club or go outside of Launceston to find a club and I think just having that transition pathway makes that really smooth," he said.

Prior to the provisional licence, some young footballers had to choose another team, or a TSL side to continue their football while some dropped out altogether.

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Old Scotch president John Bayles hoped that the move would see more young footballers continue their football at either East Launceston or Scotch.

"From under-16s, it's probably too bigger jump to go to senior football so this under-18s program provides that full pathway," he said.

As of this season 11 current or ex-Old Scotch players were coaching at junior level with East Launceston, underlining the strong alignment.

"It's really good with the family ties, a lot of those guys occasionally have the kids in those age groups so they can come through and be part of the club their parents were part of," Bayles said.

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Old Scotch player James Marshall said the move would allow players to stay at the club as they moved through the ranks going forward.

"I've seen some of my mates already go to other clubs but I think now there'll be a slightly smoother transition," he said.

"It's exciting, good times, good to see that the club can get that transition from [the] junior footy, it's obviously good to have that transition to junior footy."

Bayles said the announcement had generated a buzz at Old Scotch for next season.

"It'll be great to see our under-18s in their inaugural year take the field."

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