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DECEMBER 2015 ISSUE 2

Contents 52

SKILLS OF SAINTS’ YOUTH SQUAD SETS SOCIAL MEDIA ALIGHT

When City’s multi-million pound under-18 youth squad had a go at the so-called ‘header bin challenge’ – involving a group of players keeping the ball airborne for as many consecutive headers as possible before the final link in the chain deposits the ball into a waiting bin – at their swanky £200 million training complex, their 20-header exchange raked in over half-a-million YouTube views.

team door soon. Liam Gordon and George Hunter are out on loan at Elgin City now, and Jason Kerr is on loan at Montrose, and that will bring on all these boys.”

Paul Smith, football administrator at McDiarmid Park, said: “It was a great effort from the boys involved – particularly as it was very much a ‘spur of the minute’ thing as they waited to go training. The speed at which it went viral was a very stark illustration of the quickness and wide-reaching nature of social media.”

“It’s good to make that step up to professional football, it’s a big difference, and I’m hoping I can do well,” he said.

Their now famous feat has, according to Smith, significantly “boosted our profile”. “It was great to see it being shown on things like Sky Sports News and on some Twitter feeds that wouldn’t otherwise be covering St Johnstone,” he said. “On the morning of our UEFA Europa League tie against Alashkert from Armenia, I was showing the match officials around the stadium and they walked past Dylan Easton. The referee recognised him and said ‘Ah – the famous header man!’ Dylan was made up.” Although his antics earned him a global audience, Easton has since quit McDiarmid

by Robbie foRsyTh

a fooTball mad kid born in GlasGow, durinG The 194os. he played mloan Road primary school, Govan hiGh school, The boys bridGe, Row and drumchapel amaTeurs. he was selecTed for GlasGow nd evenT wenT on To represenT scoTland schools.

nobody else comes close. He took an

Some people were born to follow, but he

league title and European Cup Winners Cup, IN PICTURES in a spell which saw the Dons lift ten pieces of

Grassroots was lucky enough to attend his Q&A sessions in Aberdeen and Glasgow, and find out more about what turned that football mad kid from the streets of Govan into a world class leader.

silverware. His 38 trophies across 26 years at

Manchester United took him to the top table 30 SCOTS IN THE USA of the football world. And not to forget, his first

32 SIR ALEX FERGUSON 34 FOOTBALL MANAGER’S SCOTTISH WONDERKIDS

43 YOUTH FOOTBALL VACATION

“The quality of training is a lot better, it’s definitely an improvement. It’s something else training with Alan and Zander. They’re both really good goalkeepers and I’m here to learn from them.”

Johnny Boreland of the Boys Brigade was another who Fergie credits as a big player in his development. His enthusiasm for the game with infectious and Ferguson needed to second invitation to catch the bug. He said: “When we went to camp in places like Stonehaven we were given a list of everything we had to bring with us, and at the bottom in big capital letters, he’d put ‘and football boots’. As soon as we arrived, it would be ‘right, everybody, get your football boots on’.”

THE GRASSROOTS GRILLING: 44 LEWIS UNITED, EURO CHAMPIONS of Scotland’s most famous football figure honour, came in the form of a Division One of all time? One of the greatest and most title win with St Mirren. The average age of JIM FLEETING successful football managers the world has that 1977 Buddies side? Just 19. MERSEY PARADISE FOR 46 ever seen, Sir Alex Ferguson. Over the years of his glittering career at the GIRLS SEASON REVIEW KEEPER With 49 honours to his name as a manager, top level, Fergie showcased manyLEWIS skills.

Aberdeen side that that hadn’t won the was most certainly destined to lead. With 14 SNAPSHOTS: REGIONAL FOOTBALL EVAN DUTHIE league since the fifties and lead them to the the release of his new47 book ‘Leading’,

the Scottish League er reach the heights cap for his country. own that this solid yet ey would be the making

"It’s so much easier To produce a consisTenT level of hiGh performance when you nourish younGsTers, help Them develop, provide a paThway To success."

While Easton has moved onto pastures new, goalkeeper Ben MacKenzie, who filmed his teammates’ silky skills on the day, is now third-choice back-up to Northern Ireland internationalist Alan Mannus and former-Queen of the South loanee Zander Clark, after the departure of veteran player-coach Stevie Banks to Blackpool.

However, when their development squad counterparts at St Johnstone tried their luck, they came up trumps. The Perth club’s under20s team strung together a sensational 49 headers in a semi-circle around their modest dressing room and back before orchestrator Dylan Easton’s final header into a bin sparked wild celebrations.

career as an ce at his local shipyard, pursue the dream of in his spare time. And e did, in a career that olours of Queens Park, rmline Athletic, Rangers, d.

In those early years Ferguson, as he began to kick a ball, was surrounded by strong willed coaches. His school coach, George Symington, was a big influence. “George just hated losing, so you wanted to win for him.” A habit it’s fair to say, Smith commented: “Ironically, Dylan has since left the club, but we are very confident that the rest of the Sir Alex never quite grew out of. group of lads involved will be knocking on the first Park by “mutual consent” in search of regular firstteam football. Within days of becoming a free agent, however, the 21 year-old former Livingston and Berwick Rangers striker was handed a trial by Hibernian manager Alan Stubbs.

Anything Man City can do, St Johnstone can do better.

GIRLS TAKE USA BY STORM

50 BOROUGHMUIR & LINLITHGOW AT THE GOTHIA CUP

52 DUMBARTON UTD’S PRE-SEASON IN BENIDORM

Many years later, when given his bre Manchester United, it would have be easy for Ferguson to make the most enhanced budget and seek out big stars. However, his first thoughts tur youth development.

Next up was Harmony Row. The youth club, that has just celebrated its centenary, was the beginning of Ferguson’s club football career and he has fond memories of coach, Mick McGowan. It was McGowan who Ferguson credits with the first ever piece of coaching he received. “At the age of ten or eleven, we weren’t too keen on enlightenment. We just wanted to get the ball out and play. But he kept on about passing and movement.”

“One of the first things I did at Manchester United was to build proper structure for the youth s

When Ferguson finally left Harmony Row, GONE VIRAL after a home visit from Douglas Smith of Drumchapel Amateurs, McGowan didn’t take kindly. “Mick never spoke to me again. He was intransigent. Mick ‘One Eyed’ McGowan. He was an incredible enthusiast for Harmony Row and just blanked me when I left.” A ruthless streak when it came to players departing his club… another attitude that Ferguson certainly was known for, when his time as a manager came. It was Smith and Drumchapel that opened up Sir Alex’s eyes to professionalism. “Although we were amateurs, we were treated like professionals. The organisation and preparation for matches were meticulous. Every Thursday we’d receive a timetable for the following Saturday informing us who we were playing, where we were to meet and who would collect us if we needed a lift after playing for our schools in the morning.

“My job was to build the founda the football club. I think most m have to, quite rightly, think abou first team. It is a results industry I never thought that way. By bu a foundation it gave me a pipel players coming through.

“Every game requires 11 startin players and seven substitutes a whole organisation was design produce them.

“I always wanted to know abou the pipeline of players looked li the team we would like to selec three years’ time. It’s so much e to produce a consistent level of high performance when you no youngsters, help them develop, a pathway to success.

“Youngsters can inject a fantas spirit into an organisation and a youngster never forgets the per organisation, that gave them th big chance. They will repay it w loyalty that lasts a lifetime.”

From his own incredible journey, to h passion for youth development to th Sir Alex is undoubtedly one of the fin ambassadors for grassroots footbal will ever see.

“Then we were taken to Reid’s tearooms in Glasgow for lunch. We were in one room and Queen’s Park were invariably next door which made us feel even more professional. The bother Douglas went to was simply unbelievable.” By the time Ferguson was playing professionally, the writing was on the wall. He was a natural leader and it was starting to show. He commented: “One asset I possessed 17 when I started as ISSUE 2 a manager was that I could make a decision. I was never afraid of that, even as a schoolboy picking a team. I was instructing players even then: ‘You play here, you play there,’ I used to tell them then. Willie Cunningham, one of my early managers, would say: ‘You know, you’re a bloody nuisance.’ I would talk tactics at him and ask: ‘Are you sure you know what you’re doing?’ ‘Nuisance, that’s what you are,’ he would answer.”

56 SAVE OF THE SEASON

58 GOAL OF THE SEASON 64 SPORTS SCIENCE:

“When I visited him not long ago, I found he had a miniature goal set up in his back garden and, in spite of being old enough to have survived years in a prison camp during the Second World War, he let me know it was not for decoration.”

48 LETTER FROM AMERICA: CENTRAL

Outside of school and Boys Brigade football, Ferguson had a club career brewing. First stop, was Govan Rovers and the daunting task of playing in an Under 12 league at the tender age of seven. Character building, some may say.

NOT JUST FOR THE PROS

66 GONE VIRAL

68 GOAL OR NO GOAL? 72 CRAIG GOWANS 74 PLAYER PROFILE: RORY MCKENZIE

Introduction

elcome to Issue 2 of Grassroots, the magazine covering all areas of the grassroots game in Scotland. From mini kickers to Under 21s, Stranraer to Shetland and recreational to international, we have every kick of the ball covered. This issue features a number of exciting guest appearances. Jim Fleeting, Director of Football Development, answers your questions; Scottish Cup winner Colin Levey talks Sport Science; Scotland’s latest world record holders, the Craig Gowans Memorial Fund talk us through their mammoth effort; and then there is the small matter of Sir Alex. There is a number of sections, some returning and some brand new, for you to look forward to. We have twelve pages of regional content, our ‘Youth Football Vacation’ about Scottish teams competing across the globe, our awards section and much more. Our thanks, once again, go to the team of voluntary journalists and photographers, who made this magazine possible. And to the young players and volunteers across Scotland ñ unsung heroes that form the lifeblood of the game we love. Enjoy the magazine and keep an eye out for Issue 3, coming your way in early 2016. See you at the game, The Grassroots Team

CREDITS Design by Paul McGhee Graphic Design www.facebook.com/mcgheedesign

EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION Alasdair Hooper Allana Grant Andrew Petrie Brian McNally Claire Gulline Conor Matchett David Kelly David Walthall Ethan Walthall Gregor Kerr Kieran Green Jack Thomson Jonathan McIntosh Mark Gillespie Murray Milligen Robbie Forsyth Robert Wilson Sean Selkirk

PHOTOGRAPHY

Angus Johnston Chris Billinge Colin Poultney Douglas MacDonald Drew Porch Joanne Cortes Kevin Murney Mike Morrice Paul Guz Ray Millum Susie Raeburn Thomas Sands

YOUTH FOOTBALL SCOTLAND Caledonia House, 1 Redheughs Rigg, Edinburgh, EH12 9DQ • E M A I L dwalthall@youthfootballscotland.co.uk • TEL 0131 629 7903 www.youthfootballscotland.co.uk www.facebook.com/likeyfs www.twitter.com/yfst

ISSUE 2

THE

GRILLING

JIM FLEETING

Every issue gives you the chance to grill a big name with a link to grassroots football in Scotland, this month it’s Jim Fleeting.

Q a

JIM ERWIN MOTHERWELL GIRLS

I coach a 2006 team, how can I get the boys to focus and pay attention?

Should clubs attempt to be self sufficient without the help of parent coaches and can the Scottish FA play a role in this through coach recruitment/database?

I believe the motivation of players can be difficult with young players on occasions, but overall the main thing is to make them comfortable and open to learning. New practices take a bit of time for young and old players. Leaving their comfort zone is challenging and this is what all players should be doing at training; they should be challenged and sent home with something new they have picked up at training. Your job is to encourage them to do what they can, better than when they arrived. It’s all about them wanting to get better.

Q a

JASON ROBINSON SyNGENTA JUvENILES

Good volunteers, good parents, good players are all hard to find. It is about, are they the right people? All we ask is for people who care about the young person first, not care about themselves. I believe we have a lot of good people around our game and are quite fortunate but please don’t consider chasing good people away because of one rotten apple is spoiling things.

THE GRASSROOTS GRILLING

“all we ask is for people who care about the young person first, not care about themselves. I believe we have a lot of good people around our game.”

Q a

Q a Q

DAVID MORRISON

DEREK MASSON, PORTLETHEN SC

I coach a 2006 team, how can I get the boys to focus and pay attention?

Given the adverse weather conditions we face in Scotland, why do we not play summer football at youth level?

Ability, age, physical strength and height are all serious issues here. If we only lived in a lovely world where coaches would do the right thing and play players up or down, to meet the needs of the player. As long as we have coaches who want to win the match before the player’s development this matter will be difficult to solve. I think young people who are capable of more should have the chance to do more. In the good old days of BB football where there was an aggregated age for each team. Junior BB was around 127 and senior 156. My numbers may be wrong but it was around these. Some played with a 25 year old striker and a 6 year old goalie (I jest).

Girls’ & women’s lead the way, as this is what they do. U12 and below, they do too. Our over 35s play in the summer too. Why don’t the rest? I don’t understand, I wish we would too. I would leave the senior game as is and the rest play when weather is better. This is a personal view and not that of the Scottish FA.

Q a

SEONAID ANDERSON, LINLITHGOW ROSE Would you support the wider use of 9 a-side football as a transition from sevens to elevens? I was about in 1984 when we tried to implement 7-a-side. It took around 20 years to get that into place and agreed by all. We spent a lot of time and money trying to get what was best and 4s-7s-11s seemed to be the best fit. I wish we could follow the Germans and play small sided until 15 years old but that won’t happen. We consider anything that improves our game. We have had a serious look at 9s, looked at the huge investment in appropriate goals, looked at the pitches and we have would need to change too much to put this into place right now but it maybe something for the long term future.

STEVE GERRARD, LEWIS UNITED yOUTH As coaches we are required to gain coaching qualifications. What commitment do the Scottish FA have other than these courses and in service days to monitor that coaches are actually sticking to the guidelines and asking children/youths to make a pass, dribble and play with some ﬂair rather than letting them lump the ball and win at all costs?

I, like yourself, wonder what happens sometimes. One of our course tutors resigned because he believed if they just turn up, get a licence and do what they wish, then his philosophy of playing the beautiful game fell on deaf ears. He too would see different things from what he was trying to pass onto them. You can take a horse to water... Please remember they are only qualified at basic level.

RONNIE FYFE, MILE END PRIMARy, ABERDEEN I have always understood the reasoning behind the changes in the rules from the adult game to the children’s game, but the one rule I cannot understand is why primary kids are not allowed to take throw-ins. We have gone from teaching our teams to use throw ins as a quick means to attack, and getting the boys and especially girls used to the ball being in the air as it comes to them, dealing with controlling a bouncing ball, heading, and not to mention taking a throw-in correctly. The Primary 5 children see kick ins as a step back. Why?

a Q a Q a

Throw-ins are not our biggest problem in our game. Young players getting more kicks of the ball is so important. The time it takes to take a throw in also can be more difficult when the players are so small, owing to their lack of coordination (small majority). Ball down quickly and play on was our wish.

DEREK MILLER, KIRKFIELD UNITED How does the Scottish FA ensure the selection process for 2020 football centres is fair when heads of academy and academy staff are part of the selection process? No matter what selection policy there is, we will never get full acceptance by others. Everyone has their own opinion and that does cause issues. My response is to those who are selecting; good luck, be fair and honest and hopefully the majority will agree.

WILLIE BLACK

Why is pro-youth football not regionalised? When discussed; one third say yes, one third say no and one third whatever; always a split decision. It is a topic that is continuously raised without an amicable settlement and this will continue, hopefully not for ever.

ISSUE 2

Central 15’s celebrate an incredible treble

GIRLS FOOTBALL IN 2015 4-1 on the day but this had no effect on their league standings as Hibernian still won the league by a four point margin.

13’s age group

SCOTTISH CUP Glasgow City Blacks won the Scottish Cup with a superb final victory at Toryglen, following an equally impressive semi-final victory over Celtic. It clinched the treble in a memorable season for them. Credit has to go to the runners up, Aberdeen FCL 12s, who despite being one of the youngest teams in the competition, made it all the way to the showpiece final.

LEANNE ROSS LEAGUE (CENTRAL) In one of the closest calls, Cumbernauld Colts pipped Motherwell to the title. The two sides were inseparable for most of the season, but Colts pipped the Well at the last.

Eilish McSorley League (South West) Clark Drive were victorious in an exciting title race that was open to a number of teams until the final weeks. They saw off Rutherglen, Queen of the South and Scottish Cup quarter finalists KSC, to seal the title in November.

Jane Ross League (West) Glasgow Girls won this league amassing an impressive 40 points from 42 available. Their closest challengers were St. Mirren YFC. The two team drew 4-4 when they first met in March but Glasgow Girls ran out 8-2 winners when the sides met again in August.

Hayley Lauder League (South East) Musselburgh Windsor won this league with 35 points from 14 games, beating closest challengers Hutchison Vale by 7 points.

Kirsty Smith League (South East) Lisa Evans League (East - Dundee/Angus) Monifieth Reds won this league collecting an amazing maximum points tally of 54 over the season. Forfar Farmington Falcons did their best to stop this and ran the champions very close in their final encounter of the season.

Lisa Evans League (East - Fife/Perth) Double winners Bayside won this league totalling 66 points from 22 games, a maximum points tally. The race for second in this league was very close with 6 points separating Raith Rovers in second and Dunfermline in 6th.

Rachael Small League (North) Aberdeen FC Ladies Youth 13’s won this league winning all of their 22 games and collecting 66 points. Deveronvale Girls 13’s put in a valiant effort but in their final meeting of the season couldn’t stop Aberdeen running out 4-0 winners.

Kim Little League (South East) Hibernian won this league with a total of 33 points from 12 games. Their only defeat of the season came from closest challengers Penicuik Athletic Blues. The Blues won

Murieston United Reds were the eventual winners of this league, pipping second place Boroughmuir Thistle Jags by four points. These two teams had a close battle all season, when they first met Murieston ran out 3-1 winners but in the latter part of the season Boroughmuir were 4-3 winners to take the title race to the wire.

Lizzie Arnot League (South East) Hearts Ladies 12’s won this league by the narrow margin of two points over Edinburgh rivals Hibernian Development. The games against each other are what decided the destination of the title with Hearts winning the games on both occasions, inflicting Hibernian’s only defeats of the season.

Kim Little League (Central/West/South West) Glasgow City Blacks were victorious, adding the league title to their Scottish Cup and League Cup triumphs, in a memorable campaign.

LEAGUE CUP WINNERS Aberdeen FCL Youth, Hibernian FC, Central FA Legends, Broxburn Colts, Hamilton Accies, Bayside FC, Glasgow City Blacks

SCOTTISH GIRLS FOOTBALL

SEASON REVIEW 15’s age group

just couldn’t quite match Killie’s consistently dominant displays.

SCOTTISH CUP

LEAGUE CUP WINNERS

Central Girls FA capped off a fine season by winning the Scottish Cup. They faced a talented Glasgow City side in the final, but blew them away with a fine 5-0 victory. This capped a fantastic treble winning season for Central.

Hibernian FC, FC Kilmarnock, Forfar Farmington Blue, Central FA

CHRISTIE MURRAy LEAGUE (CENTRAL/WEST) The Christie Murray League was won by Central Girls by a margin of six points. Celtic were Central’s biggest rivals however the Forth Valley side weren’t to be knocked off their stride as they tasted championship success.

EMMA MITCHELL LEAGUE (EAST) Monifieth stormed the Emma Mitchell 15’s League this season, finishing a massive 12 points ahead of second placed Forfar Farmington Blue United. A fantastic campaign for the Monifieth side who won all their games but one.

FRANKIE BROWN LEAGUE (SOUTH EAST) Hearts were dominant and won the title without dropping a single point. Hibs and Linlithgow Rose both had excellent seasons, finishing second and third respectively.

JENNy BEATTIE LEAGUE (CENTRAL/SOUTH WEST/WEST) Champions of the Jenny Beattie League, this season, were FC Kilmarnock. Five massive wins with eight or more goals in their favour seemed to be the key to their success, whereas Central Girls, who finished second

17’s age group SCOTTISH CUP The Scottish Cup, at this age group, was won by an impressive Glasgow City side. After seeing off South East Region champions Hibs in the semi-finals, they bounced back from League Cup defeat to Celtic the week before to beat the Hoops 3-1 in an exciting final.

Glasgow City 13’s celebrate treble triumph

Dumbarton United came out on top in the second tier, following the split.

RACHAEL CORSIE LEAGUE (NORTH) The winner of the Rachael Corsie League this season was Deveronvale, who won every game to clinch the title. The highlight of their season was no doubt a 6-3 win over nearest rivals Westdyke on the final day of the season, if Westdyke had managed to win this game, this would have meant both clubs finishing on equal points, however Vale handled the pressure excellently, clinching the title.

LEAGUE CUP WINNERS Westdyke CC, Hibernian FC, Celtic FC

CAROLINE WEIR LEAGUE (EAST/SOUTH EAST) A Hibernian side who were able to handle pressure by getting victories over nearest rivals Raith and Hearts in the second half of the season, claimed the Caroline Weir League title this season. The decisive game was a memorable tie at Easter Road, with Hibs edging Raith in a classic encounter.

GEMMA FAy LEAGUE (CENTRAL/SOUTH WEST/WEST) Winners of the Gemma Fay League this season were Glasgow City. Consistency was the key for Glasgow City, who dropped just four points all season – to see off nearest challengers Rangers and Celtic.

Glasgow City 17’s

ISSUE 2

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reaD FuLL STorY

FROM MOSSEND TO MALAWI • Bellshill club Mossend FC raise funds to build wells and supply football kits to people and Pakistan and Malawi.

MILL UNITED (2005s) Pic - Joanne Corte s

• They are also holding sessions in conjunction with Show Racism the Red Card. Interview with: Russell Sanderson Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2mossend

CUMBERNAULD COLTS REFLECT ON MEMORABLE 2015 • 500+ youth players across the age groups, split between boys and girls. • First team making great strides in the senior game. Interview with: Arthur Stackpool Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2bonnyriggrose

AIRDRIEONIANS VS STIRLING ALBION U13s

SNAPSHOTS

CENTRAL REGION CALDERBRAES VS ALBA BC (U13s) Pic - Joanne Cortes

GARTCAIRN FA GIRLS reaD FuLL STorY

LEWIS IN LISBON: AIRDRIE KID GETS BENFICA INVITE • U15 Airdrieonians player one of 14 invited to global training camp.

DRUMCHAPEL AMATEURS (U 13s) Pic - Colin Poultn ey

• A month of professional training at the Portuguese club’s state of the art facilities. Interview with: Lewis Gracie

Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2lewisgracie

ISSUE 2

SNAPSHOTS

EAST REGION

DRYBURGH ATHLETIC

Pic - Rob Wilson

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FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR DRYBURGH ATHLETIC • Dryburgh Athletic talk about the benefits of Quality Mark. • Both boys and girls’ sections going from strength to strength. Interviews with: John Beatt & Ronnie McCabe.

Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2dryburgh

DUNDEE WEST Pic - Alasdair Hooper

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DUNDEE WEST Pic - Drew Porch

FAIRMUIR 2002S REFLECT ON ‘INVINCIBLES’ SEASON • Domestic treble without defeat • Scottish Cup the target this year Interview with: Graham Buchan Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2fairmuir

WEST IS BEST AS COMMUNITY REAPS REWARDS • Dundee West expands to include sessions for children with autism. • Over 200 players now at the club. Interviews with: Logan McConachie, Paul Gibson

FAIRMUIR F.C

Pic - Alasdair Hooper

Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2dundeewest

ISSUE 2

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ABERDEEN FCL JOIN SPFL DONS TO ENHANCE OPPORTUNITIES

ABERDEEN LADIES AND GIRLS Pic - Chris Billigne

• Aberdeen Ladies merge with the men’s SPFL side in an aim to expand girls and ladies football in the North of Scotland. • Over 170 players now play for Aberdeen Ladies and Girls FC. Interview with: Allan Smith Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2aberdeenfcl

DYCE ON A ROLL AS HARD WORK PAYS OFF • Dyce BC benefit from the Scottish FA Quality Mark scheme. • The club are developing a 3G pitch due to be completed by 2016. Interview with: Len Nicol Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2dyce

ABERDEEN LADIES AND GIRLS

SNAPSHOTS

NORTH REGION

STRATHSPEY THISTLE

DYCE BC Pic - Mike Morrice reaD FuLL STorY

DYCE BC

Pic - Mike Morrice

YOUTH FOOTBALL IN THE HIGHLANDS - PART 2 • Grassroots reviews four leagues from across the Highlands and Islands. • The leagues included are the Ross-shire Youth League, Moray Firth Youth League, Lewis and Harris Junior FA and Shetland Junior FA.

BRORA RANGERS U17’s

Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2highlands

ISSUE 2

reaD FuLL STorY

FORTY NOT OUT FOR BROXBURN UNITED • Broxburn United celebrate their 40th anniversary this season. • The West Lothian club are celebrating with a number of events over the course of the next 12 months. Interview with: Marc Hagan Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2broxburn

BONNY TIMES FOR ROSE • Grassroots speaks to Bonnyrigg Rose Girls and Boys about developments at the club. • Both branches of the club have been awarded the Scottish FA Legacy Quality Mark award. Interview with: Robin Laing, Jim Wilson Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2bonnyriggrose

EDINBURGH CITY F.C

SNAPSHOTS

SOUTH EAST REGION BROXBURN ATHLETIC Pic - Paul Guz

EDINBURGH CITY F.C Pic - Robert Wilson reaD FuLL STorY

BROXBURN ATHLETIC

SCIENTIFIC APPROACH FOR CITY • Edinburgh City are including sports science methods within their training. • The Under-20 Lowland League team are using the training techniques, with a view to implementing the system across the club. Interview with: Rob Hart

WEE WIN

DSOR SC

HOOL OF

FOOTBAL

Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2edinburghcity

L ISSUE 2

SNAPSHOTS

SOUTH WEST

REGION

KILWINNING SPORTS CLUB TOWN reaD FuLL STorY

CROSS H O BOYS USE CLUB 24

CROSSHOUSE DELIVER FOR YOUNGSTERS • Kilmarnock club Crosshouse BC continue to produce top youth footballers. • After winning the SYFA Scottish Cup three times recently, the club are aiming for more success. Interviews with: Craig Patterson, Damien McLelland Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/crosshouse

reaD FuLL STorY

KSC GIRLS WOODWYND WOLVES ROAR TO SUCCESS WITH NO KNIVES CAMPAIGN • Woodwynd Wolves ACES run a No Knives Better Lives campaign which benefits youths in the local community.

KILMARNOCK FC COMMUNITY

• The Quality Mark award scheme benefits Woodwynd with the provision of new kits and added credibility to the club. Interviews with: Colin Young, Dale Young Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2woodwyndwolves

WINNING WITH KILWINNING • Kilwinning Sports Club Town under17s win the treble in 14/15 and kick off 15/16 unbeaten.

KILMARNOCK FC GIRLS Pic - ThomasSands

• The team lost just one game in a historic season. Interview with: John Murphy Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2ksctown

ISSUE 2

SNAPSHOTS

WEST REGION POLLOK UNITED Pic - Kev SA reaD FuLL STorY

in Murney

Empire Rising: Glasgow Girls and Boys FC • Trend bucked as boys side forms off back of girls club. • Club has expanded greatly, including into specialist disability coaching. • Senior women’s side tour Gambia.

Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2glasgowgirls

CAMPSIE BLACK WATCH Pic - Douglas MacDonald

POLLOK UNITED SA Pic - Kevin Murney

reaD FuLL STorY

CAMPSIE DOWN BUT NOT OUT • 11 time Scottish Cup winners Campsie Black Watch pull out of the West of Scotland U21s YFL. • Lack of players put pay to this campaign, but they’ll be back Interview with: Jim Shanks Interviews with: Colin Young, Dale Young

CELTIC FC Pic - Angus Johnston

Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/ gr2campsieblackwatch

POLLOK GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY • Academy delivers training sessions to disabled children in the local community.

• Quality Mark has enabled the club to grow. Interview with: Andy Elliot

ARSENAL BC V SOUTH CAMLACHIE U19s

Pic - Colin Poultney

Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit www.yfs.news/gr2pollok

ISSUE 2

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Scottish FA Level 1 is desirable but not essential

Promising players from across Scotland are plying their trade across the pond. Here’s an A-Z of who’s kicking a ‘soccer’ ball, the college they represent and their last Scottish club

SCOTS IN THE USA Illinois

New Hampshire

Indiana

New Jersey

Max Todd, University of Illinois, Hibernian FC

Leon Gopal, Holy Cross College of Notre Dame, Broxburn Athletic Colts Anesu Tabengwa, Holy Cross College of Notre Dame Graeme Campbell, Oakland City University Ryan Blair, Oakland City University, Falkirk FC Spencer Brown, Indiania University, Broomhill SC Jack Miller, St Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College, Stirling Albion

Iowa

Jordan Burns, Grand View University, Stenhousemuir FC Johnny McBeth, Upper Iowa University, Ross Lennie, Grand View University, East Fife Curtis Rose, Grand View University, Johnstone Burgh FC Blair Lyons, Upper Iowa University, St Cadocs YC Chris Higgins, Ashford University,

Kansas Alabama Sam Daniel, University of Mobile, Spartans FC Jordan Sinclair, University of Mobile, Stirling Albion FC Kyle Hogg, Auburn Montgomery University, Spartans FC Beth Preston, West Alabama University, Celtic FC Girls Kirsten Reilly, West Alabama University, Hearts Ladies Jordan Wright, University of Alabama Matthew McAthur, University of Mobile

Arizona

Scott Warrender, Yavapai Junior College, Kirkcaldy YM

California

Lewis Grant, Point Loma Nazarene University, Edinburgh City Simon Doherty, California State University, Stirling Albion

Colorado

Kayleigh Brough, Otero Junior College, Forfar Farmington

Connecticut

Murray Cockburn, Sacred Heart University, AC Oxgangs FC

Delaware

Declyn Brown, Goldey-Beacom College, Baillieston Juniors

Florida

Niall Doherty, Webber International University, Alloa Athletic Sam Todd, Webber International University, Hibernian FC Ross Clarke, Webber International University, Spartans FC Kevin Magee, Florida Memorial University, Greenock Morton Liam Gourlay, Keiser University, Glenafton Athletic Neil Slooves, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Ayr United Christy Grimshaw, Barry University, Christy Grimshaw, Barry University, Aberdeen FC Ladies Amanda Taylor, Barry University, Rangers FC Ladies Alistair Shanks, Webber International University, Alness United Euan Rodgers, Webber International University, Tynecastle FC Ben Bouchier, Webber International University, Coldstream FC

Georgia

Blair Springhall, Emmanuel College, Berwick Rangers FC Craig Russell, Emmanuel College, Tynecastle FC Kit Cummins, Shorter University, Albion Rovers Mark Logan, Reinhardt University, Arsenal BC Jamie Wall, Georgia Southwestern, Port Glasgow Select Jonni Turner, Georgia Military, Broxburn Athletic Colts Laura Parsley, South Georgia State College, Forfar Farmington

Calum Dillon, Newman University, Kilmarnock FC Ross Anderson, Ottawa University, Amy Strath, Butler Community College, Aberdeen FCL

Kentucky

Daniel Nimmo, Campbellsville University, Stenhousemuir FC Mhairi Fyfe, Campbellsville University, Celtic FC Ladies Lewis Fyfe, Campbellsville University, Stirling Albion Ross Lindsay, Campbellsville University, Kilmarnock FC Callum McDonald, Union College, Queen of the South FC Jordan Wilson, University of Kentucky, Rangers FC Kurtis Roberts, Kentucky Wesleyan, Clydebank FC

Maine

Lewis Temple, University of Maine, AC Oxgangs Stephen Al-Sayed, University of Maine, Stirling Albion FC Stuart Conway, University of Maine, Albion Rovers Kyle Robin, University of Maine, Linwood Rangers Jamie Reid, University of Maine, Tower Hearts Ross Downie, University of Maine, Cramond FC Jamie Cleland, University of Maine, Stirling Albion

Massachusetts

Christian McKenna, Northeastern University

Minnesota

David Orr, Bethel University, Johnstone Burgh Mark Weir, Bethel University, Bonnyrigg Rose Scott Couper, Bethel University

Mississippi

Andrew West, Belhaven University, Tayport Juniors Scott Malcolm, Belhaven University, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy John Dunbar, Belhaven University Hannah Scott, Mississippi Valley State, Hearts Ladies

Liam Watt, Franklin Piece University, Brora Rangers FC

Jamie Cleland, Saint Peters University, Stirling Albion Jonathon Callagahan, Bloomfield College

New Mexico

Ryan Sinclair, Eastern New Mexico University

New York

Lenny Wilson, Hartwick College, Arbroath FC Marc Russell, Harwick College, Renfrew Victoria Jack Donaldson, Hartwick College, Stenhousemuir FC Jamie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gray, Hartwick College, Stenhousemuir FC Callum Donnelly, Le Moyne University, Spartans FC Paul Coyle, Cayuga Community College, West Park United Chris Barrie, Cayuga Community College, Leith Athletic Cameron Pashley, Cayuga Community College, Culter Boys Paul McCormick, Cayuga Community College, BSC Glasgow Kieran Toland, St. Bonaventure, Port Glasgow Juniors

North Carolina

Rebecca Harper, St. Andrews University, Aberdeen FCL

Ohio

Smart Osadolor, Tiffin University, Annan Athletic Stuart Campbell, Lake Eirie College, Adam Wilson, University of Cincinnati, Rangers FC

Oklahoma

Eva Rule, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Falkirk LFC Niall Ferguson, Southwestern Christian University, Linwood Rangers

Pennsylvania

Michael Lennox, Mercyhurst University, Bonnyton Thistle Rory McKinnon, Seton Hill University, Edinburgh University Emma Porteous, Seton Hill University, Hibernian Ladies Lindsay Murdoch, Chestnut Hill College, Strathclyde University Alistair Hughes, Harcum College, Barrhead YFC

South Carolina

Jonny Clark, Erskine University, Montrose FC David Sheridan, Francis Marion University, Clyde

Tennessee

Domonic McLaren, Tusculum College, Partick Thistle FC Ben Allan, King University, Invernes Caledonian Thistle Lewis Cockburn, Tennessee Wesleyan College, Edinburgh City Gerard Lunday, Tennessee Wesleyan College, Dumbarton FC Ryan Murphy, King University, Dunipace Juniors Kyle Dickson, Tusculum College, Lenzie YC Michael Fulton, Martin Methodist College, St Mirren

Missouri

Texas

Montana

Washington, D.C.

David Cross, Drury University, Stirling Albion Chris Paton, Northern Illinois University, Stirling Albion Iain McTurk, Columbia University, Spartans FC Rhys Wallace, William Woods University, Southside BC

Lauren Leslie, University of Houston Victoria, Hamilton Accies LFC Taylor Gordon, University of Houstie Victoria, Dunipace Juniors Marcus Watt, University of Houstie Victoria, Arbroath FC Michael Iksander, Texas A&M International University

Steven Forbes, Rocky Mountain College, Stirling Albion FC Gregor Watson, Rocky Mountain College, Berwick Rangers FC

Alastair Berry, George Washington University, Queen of the South

Nebraska

Jon Campbell, Salem University, Paul Smith, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Giffnock SC

Conor McFadden, Midland University, Gleniffer Thistle Grant Lavin, Midland University, Haddington Athletic Ben Hutton, Midland University Tom Sibbald, Midland University, St Johnstone

West Virginia Wisconsin

Daniel Kearns, Wisconsin Superior, Greenock Morton

ISSUE 2

BY R0BBIE F0RSYTH

H0W 0nE 0F THE W0rLD'�S GrEATEST F00TBALL MAnAGErS WAS B0rn There was a football mad kid born in Glasgow, during the 1940s. He played with Broomloan Road Primary School, Govan High School, the Boys Bridge, Harmony Row and Drumchapel Amateurs. He was selected for Glasgow Schools and even went on to represent Scotland Schools. He began a sensible career as an engineering apprentice at his local shipyard, whilst continuing to pursue the dream of professional football in his spare time. And that’s exactly what he did, in a career that saw him wear the colours of Queens Park, St Johnstone, Dunfermline Athletic, Rangers, Falkirk and Ayr United.

He was selected for the Scottish League Select, but didn’t ever reach the heights of a full international cap for his country. Who would have known that this solid yet unspectacular journey would be the making of Scotland’s most famous football figure of all time? One of the greatest and most successful football managers the world has ever seen, Sir Alex Ferguson. With 49 honours to his name as a manager, nobody else comes close. He took an Aberdeen side that that hadn’t won the league since the fifties and lead them to the league title and European Cup Winners Cup, in a spell which saw the Dons lift ten pieces of silverware. His 38 trophies across 26 years at

Manchester United took him to the top table of the football world. And not to forget, his first honour, came in the form of a Division One title win with St Mirren. The average age of that 1977 Buddies side? Just 19. Over the years of his glittering career at the top level, Fergie showcased many skills. Some people were born to follow, but he was most certainly destined to lead. With the release of his new book ‘Leading’, Grassroots was lucky enough to attend his Q&A sessions in Aberdeen and Glasgow, and find out more about what turned that football mad kid from the streets of Govan into a world class leader.

Ferguson, a well-known disciplinarian, owes a lot to his roots. In ‘Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography’, he said: “I read an article about me that said: ‘Alex Ferguson has done really well in his life despite coming from Govan.’ Spot the offending phrase. It’s precisely because I started out in the shipbuilding district of Glasgow that I achieved what I did in football. In those early years Ferguson, as he began to kick a ball, was surrounded by strong willed coaches. His school coach, George Symington, was a big influence. “George just hated losing, so you wanted to win for him.” A habit it’s fair to say, Sir Alex never quite grew out of.

"IT�S S0 MUCH EASIEr T0 Pr0DUCE A C0nSISTEnT LEVEL 0F HIGH PErF0rMAnCE WHEn Y0U n0UrISH Y0UnGSTErS, HELP THEM DEVEL0P, Pr0VIDE A PATHWAY T0 SUCCESS." Johnny Boreland of the Boys Brigade was another who Fergie credits as a big player in his development. His enthusiasm for the game with infectious and Ferguson needed to second invitation to catch the bug. He said: “When we went to camp in places like Stonehaven we were given a list of everything we had to bring with us, and at the bottom in big capital letters, he’d put ‘and football boots’. As soon as we arrived, it would be ‘right, everybody, get your football boots on’.” “When I visited him not long ago, I found he had a miniature goal set up in his back garden and, in spite of being old enough to have survived years in a prison camp during the Second World War, he let me know it was not for decoration.”

Many years later, when given his break at Manchester United, it would have been easy for Ferguson to make the most of his enhanced budget and seek out big name stars. However, his first thoughts turned to youth development.

“One of the first things I did at Manchester United was to build a proper structure for the youth system.

When Ferguson finally left Harmony Row, after a home visit from Douglas Smith of Drumchapel Amateurs, McGowan didn’t take kindly. “Mick never spoke to me again. He was intransigent. Mick ‘One Eyed’ McGowan. He was an incredible enthusiast for Harmony Row and just blanked me when I left.” A ruthless streak when it came to players departing his club… another attribute that Ferguson certainly was known for, when his time as a manager came. It was Smith and Drumchapel that opened up Sir Alex’s eyes to professionalism. “Although we were amateurs, we were treated like professionals. The organisation and preparation for matches were meticulous. Every Thursday we’d receive a timetable for the following Saturday informing us who we were playing, where we were to meet and who would collect us if we needed a lift after playing for our schools in the morning.

“My job was to build the foundation of the football club. I think most managers have to, quite rightly, think about the first team. It is a results industry, but I never thought that way. By building a foundation it gave me a pipeline of players coming through. “Every game requires 11 starting players and seven substitutes and our whole organisation was designed to produce them. “I always wanted to know about what the pipeline of players looked like for the team we would like to select in three years’ time. It’s so much easier to produce a consistent level of high performance when you nourish youngsters, help them develop, provide a pathway to success. “Youngsters can inject a fantastic spirit into an organisation and a youngster never forgets the person, or organisation, that gave them their first big chance. They will repay it with a loyalty that lasts a lifetime.” From his own incredible journey, to his passion for youth development to this day, Sir Alex is undoubtedly one of the finest ambassadors for grassroots football Scotland will ever see.

“Then we were taken to Reid’s tearooms in Glasgow for lunch. We were in one room and Queen’s Park were invariably next door which made us feel even more professional. The bother Douglas went to was simply unbelievable.” By the time Ferguson was playing professionally, the writing was on the wall. He was a natural leader and it was starting to show. He commented: “One asset I possessed when I started as a manager was that I could make a decision. I was never afraid of that, even as a schoolboy picking a team. I was instructing players even then: ‘You play here, you play there,’ I used to tell them then. Willie Cunningham, one of my early managers, would say: ‘You know, you’re a bloody nuisance.’ I would talk tactics at him and ask: ‘Are you sure you know what you’re doing?’ ‘Nuisance, that’s what you are,’ he would answer.”

For frustrated Mourinhos and aspiring Guardiolas across the land, the dawn of a new football season can only mean one thing: the release of the latest edition of Football Manager.

Millions of copies of the game have been sold worldwide to fans captivated by the opportunity to get a virtual glimpse into the life of a leading coach in the modern age. With Football Manager 2016 flying off the shelves, here is the Grassroots guide to the top 11 Scottish wonder-kids, according to the gameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creators...

FOOTBALL MANAGER 2

6 3

Andy Robertson, LB

Devlin Mackay, GK

Age: 18 Current club: Derby County - On loan from Kilmarnock Key Stats: Agility 15, Handling 12, Reflexes 12 Value: £4,000 Mackay is Kilmarnock’s youngest professional goalkeeper currently on their books. He is on loan at English Championship side Derby County until January 2016, and is the first choice choice keeper in the Rams’ U21 Premier League side at the moment, earning rave reviews.

Callum Paterson, RB

Alan Forrest, RM

Age: 21 Current club: Hull City Key Stats: Work Rate 17, Pace 14, Dribbling 14, Tackling 14 Value: £5.25 million The left-back’s meteoric rise from Queen’s Park youth to Scotland regular via Dundee United was Roy of the Rovers stuff. But the pacy, hard-working Glaswegian, signed by then-Premiership side Hull from Tannadice for nearly £3 million in July 2014, still has much more potential to fulfil.

Michael Devlin, CB

Age: 22 Current club: Hamilton Academical Key Stats: Aerial 14, Tackling 14, Positioning 14 Value: £550,000 Michael Devlin made his debut for Accies as a 17 year old at Ibrox in 2011, and has gone on to play over 80 compeitive games for Accies so far. If he continues his fine form, perhaps he will become the latest Hamilton kid to go onto international stardom?

Age: 21 Current club: Heart of Midlothian Key Stats: Long Throws 19, Heading 15, Strength 15, Work Rate 15 Value: £160,000 Renowned for his gargantuan longthrows and notable goal-scoring record, Paterson is now a regular in a youthful Hearts side. In 94 appearances, the latest product of Tynecastle Boys’ Club to turn professional with the Jam Tarts has notched 23 goals.

Ryan Fraser, LM

Age: 21 Current club: Ipswich - on loan from Bournemouth Key Stats: Pace 16, Movement 16, Value: £5.25 million Ryan Fraser began in the Aberdeen first team at age 16. He impressed in the early stages of the 2012/2013 season, where he won the SPL player of the month award in September & October 2012. He is currently on loan at Ipswich Town, and has Scotland U19 and U21 international caps to his name.

John Souttar, CB Age: 19 Current club: Dundee United Key Stats: Passing 14, Technique 14, Tackling 13 Value: £205,000

The silky, Beckenbauer-esque centrehalf has already attracted the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs, including Manchester City and Arsenal. If Souttar can add more physicality and toughness to his game, he will be a real star in the making.

Age: 19 Current club: Ayr United Key Stats: Pace 14, Acceleration 13, Agility 12 Value: £7,500 Remember this name. Celtic winger James’s younger brother, Alan Forrest is certainly one to watch. In his first two seasons of senior football with Ayr he scored 18 goals and is the Sons’ youngest ever goalscorer after he netted the winner in a Challenge Cup match against Queen’s Park at Hampden in 2013, aged 16 years and 321 days. Nottingham Forest and Barnsley have already been mentioned as potential suitors. Forrest’s former manager Mark Roberts said: “I think the wee man can go as far as he wants. He’s a great talent. He’s fearless.

“He’s a great talent. He’s fearless.” “He’s really clever. He’s got a clever wee brain and he goes and plays in areas where it’s very difficult for players to pick him up. When he gets on the ball he’s direct, sharp and plays one-twos. He can beat people on the outside and the inside and he’s a goal threat. He’ll make a right good living out of the game and it’s up to him how far he goes.”

ISSUE 2

FOOTBALL MANAGER

Ryan Gauld, CAM

Ryan Christie, CAM

Craig Wighton, ST

Age: 20 Current club: Inverness CT (on loan from Celtic) Key Stats: Penalty Taking 15, Finishing 14, First Touch 14, Dribbling 14 Value: £200,000

Age: 19 Current club: Sporting Lisbon Key Stats: Vision 17, Teamwork 15, Balance 15, Dribbling 14 Value: £525,000

“Expect to see Ryan as a Scotland and Champions League regular within five years.” No list of Scottish wonder-kids would be complete without the mercurial, magician-like “Mini Messi”. The former Dundee United ball-boy and Brechin City Boys Club attacker signed for Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon for around £3 million in July 2014 from the Tangerines. FM boffins expect big things of Gauld and, given his sublime passing ability, no wonder. Expect to see him as a Scotland and Champions League regular within five years.

Ryan Christie is one of the most exciting prospects from the North of Scotland to have emerged of recent years. Son of former ICT player and manager, Charlie, Ryan’s performances have been rewarded with a move to SPFL Premiership champions Celtic. With a succession of strong appearances for Scotland U21s, he will have his sights firmly set of a full international cap in years to come.

Jason Cummings, ST

Age: 20 Current club: Hibernian Key Stats: Off the Ball 16, Natural Fitness 16, Finishing 15, Flair 15 Value: £49,500 Could boyhood Hearts fan Cummings follow in the footsteps of Hibernian youth products and current Scotland regulars Steven Fletcher, Steven Whittaker and Scott Brown and make it into the international big-time? FM’s experts seem to think so, giving him some extremely high attacking stats for a striker who has yet to reach his 20th birthday. Despite the Easter Road side’s recent travails, Cummings has racked up an impressive 20 goals in 53 appearances.

Age: 18 Current club: Raith Rovers (on loan from Dundee) Key Stats: Determination 15, Vision 14, First Touch 13, Finishing 11 Value: £69,000 Such is this Scotland under-17 regular’s talent that Arsenal, Southampton, Swansea and Sunderland have all sent scouts to watch him strut his stuff. Dens Park boss Paul Hartley believes he has a great future ahead of him. Schooled at the same Ian Cathrorun training school as Ryan Gauld and John Souttar, Wighton could so easily have been on the other side of the city divide, but turned down an offer from United because his family are diehard Dees.

“Arsenal,Southampton, Swansea and Sunderland have all sent scouts to watch him strut his stuff.”

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Norway Cup 2016

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The Gothia Cup Page 50

Dumbarton Utd in Benidorm Page 52

Central Girls Go To The U.S.A

Lewis Utd Conquer Europe Page 44

Page 48

FOUR TEAMS OF TALENTED YOUNGSTERS ON TOUR THROUGHOUT EUROPE AND THE USA ISSUE 2

A SCOTTISH TEAM U

NOR LEWIS UNITED RETURN FROM NORWAY CUP AS EUROPEAN CHAMPS! By David Kelly

The long wait for a Scottish side to become Champions of Europe is now over thanks to the exploits of a young boy’s side from Aberdeen. Two Lewis United 2003 teams have now equalled the achievement of fellow Granite City side Aberdeen F.C., famously victors in the 1983 European Cup Winners’ Cup Final against Real Madrid, after winning all twelve of their matches at the Norway Cup in Oslo. The prestigious annual event, the largest of its kind with over 1,000 teams participating from across the continent, has no official, overall winner due to its unique structure, but Lewis United’s under-12s were one of only two teams to come away from the tournament with a 100% record. Coach Tommy Bruce, who alongside Vic Ross accompanied 14 players to Norway, said: “We have done two other trips abroad and decided we wanted to do the biggest football tournament in Europe.

“We didn’t go over expecting to win all our matches, but momentum and team spirit played a big part. The boys were sleeping, eating and playing together 24/7. One day we had a game at 9.30 in the morning and we were back at

7.30 at night. The later kick offs were the hardest due to being up early and outdoors all day. Myself and Vic were impressed at the effort players put in and their determination to keep going as a team.” Having experienced success against esteemed continental opposition, Bruce believes that the pessimism and limited ambition which so often hangs around the Scottish game like a bad smell is misplaced and that Scottish players and coaches should raise their sights.

“In Scotland we are too quick to put ourselves down. With the improvements in coaching and coaches going on more training courses the game is improving. The facilities available are improving slowly in this country. I believe that young Scottish players are as good as anywhere, we just need to give them the right environment to ﬂourish.” As well as being a fantastic learning experience for his young charges, Bruce also thinks the trip was an excellent educational opportunity for himself as a coach. “From a coaching point of view we enjoyed chatting to coaches from Palestine, Brazil, the USA and South Africa and watching some other teams in between not playing”, he said. As news of their triumph reached home, a spokesman for Aberdeen F.C., the last Scottish side to be crowned Champions of Europe, offered his congratulations, saying: “Everyone at AFC congratulates Lewis United under-12s on what was a fantastic achievement at the Norway Cup. To go through a dozen matches with a 100% record is amazing at any level. But to achieve it in the world’s biggest youth event really is something! Well done to all those involved.”

UNBEATEN IN EUROPE?

R-WAY! LEWIS UTD KEEPER TURNS OUT FOR LIVERPOOL! ISSUE 2

“SANDY PLAYING FOR LIVERPOOL SELECT WAS STRAIGHT OUT OF ROY OF THE ROVERS MAGAZINE.”

icture the scene: you are sitting in the stand, simply watching your heroes play. Suddenly there is an injury, no replacement is available and the team desperately needs a player. The manager turns around and looks you straight in the eye: got your boots, son?

It is Roy of the Rovers stuff; a ludicrously implausible dream which surely every aspiring young footballer has had and many a grown adult continues to have. But while most of us can only fantasise such a sporting fairytale, Lewis United 2003s’ Sandy Watt knows exactly what it is like to live the dream. The remarkable turn of events which led to Watt playing for Liverpool occurred thanks to Lewis United 2003s presence at the 2015 Norway Cup, a prestigious youth football tournament in Oslo, where they impressed players, coaches and scouts from across the continent with their skilful, attacking football and 100% winning record. The tournament’s organisers took note and selected United’s Evan Robertson to appear for the Norway Cup Select All Stars team in a friendly against Liverpool Academy, managed by former Liverpool and England centre back and current Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson. Robertson’s United teammates all turned up to attend the match and cheer on their friend. And it is just as well they did. Things got even more exciting for the club and their players when, after just 10 minutes of the match gone, Liverpool’s goalkeeper was injured and unable to play on. With no replacement on the bench, Thompson was left with a gaping hole between the sticks.

Spotting the vacancy, Lewis United’s gallous goalkeeper Sandy Watt, a Liverpool fan, stood up and shouted: “I’m a goalie, I’ll play for you!” To Watt’s surprise and delight, Thompson beckoned the young Scotsman down to the sideline and onto the pitch, where he spent the rest of the game playing for the elite academy side of one of Europe’s most admired, famous and successful clubs. Watt said: “I thought I was going to come just to sit and watch the game today. I never dreamt that I would be asked to play. I’m actually a big Liverpool fan, so to have the honour of being called on by a club legend like Phil Thompson was superb.”

Lewis Utd

He added: “It was a definite privilege to play today.”

With Liverpool’s goalkeeper still unfortunately injured, Watt continued turning out for the Anfield club for the rest of their stay at the Norway Cup. Tommy Bruce, proud coach of Robertson and Watt, commented: “It was a bit like any kids dream: Liverpool goalkeeper gets injured, Phil Thompson looks to the bench and no spare goalie. Sandy waves from the stand, Phil shouts him down and asks who do you support – Liverpool! – and on Sandy went. “Sandy playing for Liverpool Select was straight out of Roy of the Rovers magazine.”

By David Kelly

MERSEY PARADISE

Lewis United keeper SANDY WATT turns out for Anfield

EVAN-LY SOUNDS

Teenage DJing sensation Evan Duthie is living the dream

NSE WHAT THE D SE

KNOWHOWTO

Reflecting on the event, Evan said: “Personally, the Norway Cup was such an amazing experience for me as an artist, but altogether it was a great event with brilliant opportunities for football teams as well.

IS” “YOU NEE VIBE

D TO

However, Evan is not a footballer. Having come to Norway with his brother Tait, whose team Lewis United played at the event, his floodlit pitch is the culture stage; his passion lies not in football, but in music.

selection. While track selection is important, what you do with them is equally important. You’ve got to know your tracks inside out and be able to know what will go down well in the mix.”

K A CROWDAN WOR

The ﬂoodlights are on at Ekebergsletta, a large grass field that acts as a venue for the Norway Cup, one of the world’s biggest youth football tournaments held annually in the region of Oslo. Wonderkid Evan Duthie is making his debut. As he starts playing, all ﬂicks and spins, twists and turns, spectators gasp at his skill and technique.

Evan with Annie Mac

All the teams were informed about the opportunity for team members to perform a talent of theirs onstage. As my brother’s team were playing at the event, I filled an application. After playing my first set on the Sunday, I was then asked to play a set every day. If a team are thinking of going, I would tell them to grab the opportunity with both hands as it would be a fantastic experience.”

Having enhanced his reputation at the Norway Cup, Evan was consequently selected to play at BPM, the world’s largest DJ and electronic music festival: “Every year, there is an opportunity to play [there]. It is a very competitive program, as people from all over the UK and the world come to the event and many apply for the chance to play on the stage. I was lucky to be selected and I thoroughly enjoyed my 30 minute set, it was such a brilliant achievement.”

Upon being asked about the secret of his success, Evan explained: “First of all, you must have a burning passion for music. You need to know how to work a crowd and sense what the vibe is. As Hannah Wants says, DJing is 50% technical and 50% track

As one thing led to another, Evan’s quick rise continued: “My talents were noticed by leading sound and DJ equipment company Pioneer, who offered me the chance to play a set on the stage at their booth. I of course

jumped at the chance and played a 30 minute set and afterwards I was gifted a pair of Pioneers brand new headphones, the HDJ 2000mk2s. It was such an honour to play for them, as on the previous days the likes of B.Traits, Shadow Child and Marshall Jefferson had performed there. Quite a crowd formed when I started playing.” Humble and respectful, Evan is quick to point out how more established DJs have helped him take the first steps of his musical career: “I would like to thank Hannah Wants as she has helped me a lot to understand a crowd and how to compile a set. I would also like to say a special thank you to Annie Mac, who has supported me and answered all my questions I have had, I cannot thank her enough. I am honoured to have gained connections with her and she was the one to inspire me to pursue it as a career and she continues to inspire me.” The young DJ’s stellar ascent in the last couple of months has culminated in him being nominated for the One to Watch category in the music section of the Pride of Aberdeen award. Commenting on the nomination, Evan said: “Words can’t describe how much I appreciate it and I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has voted. I am honoured to be part of this award ceremony and it would mean the world to me if I won it. I feel like I’m living the dream.”

ISSUE 2

S â&#x20AC;&#x2122; A F S L R I G L A R T N CE

By Jack Thomson As the season comes to a close, many teams would look forward to a break and the opportunity to unwind after a strenuous league campaign. This was not the case for Central Girls Football Academy, however, after they decided to take a team to the USA in search of fresh footballing opposition to challenge themselves against.

Inviting players from three different age groups to take part in the trip, Central Girls submitted a team in the under-16s category of the Mid Atlantic Cup, which took place in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Central Girls FA coach Ian Dibdin reinforced the decision to take a team across the world by stating his belief in the value of tournament football. “At Central I’m a great believer in tournaments. We want our teams to go to tournaments and experience events elsewhere rather than close down during the summer,” Dibdin said. He also saw the value of a post-season trip in maintaining team morale and widening the team’s experience. “We want to keep playing football. It’s crucial for player retention. If you’re having a good time, then you don’t want to leave. More than half of the team hadn’t been to America before. Inevitably it widens people’s horizons,” he said. Beginning the trip in Philadelphia, Central Girls also took the opportunity to meet up with old friends. Maryland Rush were the opponents for Central Girls Football Academy in the Puma Cup Final in Liverpool in 2014 and the teams have since maintained a connection. Following a friendly with the American side, Central Girls competed in the Mid Atlantic Cup before visiting Annapolis in Maryland, Washington DC and, finally, New York. Playing six games throughout the whole of their American tour, the girls won two and lost four with some positive performances and results in the Mid Atlantic cup, such as a 3-2 victory over New York-based team Merrick Rush. Ian felt this was a chance for the girls to test themselves in a different environment. “At the end of the day, they’re the strongest country in the world as far as football goes. We knew we were going to a strong area,” Dibdin said. “We were going to a ranked tournament. We went in at the highest level which is Championship level. We wanted to see what it was about. The players are also actively encouraged to reflect on where they want to go with their football career. With university and

college coaches attending tournaments such as the Mid Atlantic Cup, it is important for the players the opportunity to consider that avenue. “It’s something that I actively encourage all of our players. We have some super players that were over there and without a doubt, they attracted the attention of the coaches. I’m not one of these coaches that is protective of their players. It’s a case of if they want the opportunity to go to America then I will do everything I can possibly do to make that happen. If they’ve got an opportunity it’s not about the club all the time, it’s about the individuals as well,” Dibdin said. Acknowledging that American youth football is home to a greater depth of technically gifted and athletic footballers because of the size of the country, Dibdin also recognised that the Scottish game can compete. He said: “If you hide from the best then how are you meant to know? From my experience girls want to learn football, not by watching but by playing.” Central Girls FA certainly cannot be accused of hiding from strong opposition, competing against the number one, five and six ranked teams in Pennsylvania state. Dibdin also praised his team for the way they responded to game situations, saying: “I would

tend to think that we were more creative and that we were adjusting to games tactically better than they were.” However, he was more than aware of the strengths of the opposition. “They were very well set-up and shaped. When our attack broke down, all of the opposition players were prepared for that.” During the trip, there was also time for the girls to relax, bond and explore new surroundings. Visiting iconic areas, such as the Rocky Steps and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, they even managed to squeeze in some shopping. The girls’ coach tried his best to avoid the malls but events had their own say. “When we traveled we lost all of our bags on the first day so that was a bit of a challenge. Eventually I had to go shopping!” A day in Annapolis, Maryland, meant that the team got the chance to enjoy some water sports before going on to Washington, DC, to visit the White House and then New York to experience sights such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and Central Park. Joking aside, the trip was important in fulfilling the vision of Central Girls Football Academy. “During these kinds of trips where you are together for two weeks, you see people in a different light than you would at training and that helps with team bonding. Our ethos is to give these players a life experience, as well as a footballing one,” Dibdin said.

ISSUE 2

By David Kelly

cotland was represented at the world famous 2015 Gothia Cup by girls from Boroughmuir Thistle FC, Scotland’s largest girls’ football club, and Linlithgow Rose CFC, the SFA’s 2014 Club of the Year. Commenting on their “epic” trip, Doug Johnstone, Linlithgow Rose’s Girls Section Secretary and 15s Head Coach, said: “This was my seventh tournament away with football teams and, while they have all been good, Gothia was at a different scale of experience. It is so big, well organised and generally fun that it would be hard to top.” Johnstone’s side reached the last 32 and were desperately unlucky not to progress further. Their campaign began with defeat to Spjutstorps IF, followed by a 2-2 draw with Bergdalens IK and a second defeat to Skultorps IF. After securing a 1-0 win over Sunderby SK, their Scandinavian adventure came to an end. Henans IF, unbeaten

champions of the northern Swedish league, defeated them by the narrowest of margins, 5-4 on penalties. Johnstone was “very pleased” with how his young charges handled their quality opponents. “We only played Swedish teams due to the luck of the draw, and found them similar to Scottish teams in many ways – a mix of skilful players and a lot of work rate,” he said. “There was only one game where we didn’t play to the level we can. Other than that, the girls performed superbly. “The girls were a huge credit to themselves and we are already planning how to get back next year on the ﬂight home.” Meanwhile, Boroughmuir were granted the honour of carrying the Scottish flag at the spectacular opening ceremony. Richard Lewis, Thistle’s under-13 coach,said: “I think this was the highlight of the trip for a number of our girls and a great honour for Kirsty to carry the Scottish flag.

“To walk round the stadium, representing your country with 50,000 people clapping and cheering is a once in a lifetime experience and we were all buzzing for a couple of hours afterwards.” A total of 49 Thistle players, five coaches and 36 parents made the trip to Sweden. Their 14s side suffered narrow group defeats to talented Swedish teams Karra KIF, Sundsvalls DFF and Upsala IF, subsequently registering an impressive 3-2 victory over Landvetter IF in the last 64, before losing 1-0 to Tyreso FF in the last 32. Thistle’s 13s faced similarly tough Nordic opponents in Group 7, losing out to locals BK Häcken, Vikingur of Iceland and Knvista IK of Sweden, before being knocked out by Savedalens IF. The first of Boroughmuir’s 12s teams faced all-Swedish opponents. After losing their opening matches to Sjomarkens IF and Landvetter IF, they recorded an amazing 12-0 trouncing of Torna Hallestad IF, followed by a

GOTHIA CUP

dramatic penalty shoot-out win over against IK Zenith, before being defeated by Borgeby FK in the quarter-finals. Their second 12s side were valiant in defeat in against difficult opposition – Swedish sides Savedalens IF and Lerums IS, German outfit SC Victoria and Danish team IK Aars.

finding private accommodation. “Our accommodation was in a school and I’d have to say that after a week of sleeping on the ﬂoor and eating the food provided, we probably weren’t in optimum condition for football,” he said.

Theme Park, one of Scandinavia’s largest. Thistle, meanwhile, managed to squeeze in a boat tour of Gothenburg, a trip to the beach and some shopping. However, for both Johnstone and Lewis, a special moment was their respective pre-tournament friendlies against local sides, which both generously organised postmatch family barbecues to welcome them to Sweden.

“I think the biggest difference was the physicality of the players we came up against,” Lewis said. “Almost without fail, the opposition were bigger than our teams and were incredibly strong in the challenge – they obviously eat their Weetabix over there!

“THE GIRLS WERE A HUGE CREDIT TO THEMSELVES AND WE WERE ALREADY PLANNING HOW TO GET BACK NEXT YEAR ON THE FLIGHT HOME.”

“I think it’s fair to say we were delighted with the performances of all four teams. The highlight for me was obviously seeing one of my teams get to a quarter final and although we lost, I was proud of the way we competed all week.”

Johnstone, whose team elected to stay in a city centre hotel, was keen to recommend that approach, if costs permit, for comfort and convenience.

Although the playing facilities were “fantastic”, Lewis recommends

Given their packed playing schedules, both clubs had little time for sightseeing, although Rose did visit to nearby Liseberg

Asked if he had any further advice for Scottish sides contemplating following in their footsteps, Johnstone said: “In a word, go!” Lewis wholeheartedly agrees. “Don’t think twice! It’s a fantastic experience for everyone involved, players and coaches, so if you get the opportunity take it.”

ISSUE 2

The hard work pays off for Dumbarton Utd as they hit Benidorm for a pre-season tour BY ALLANA GRANT

This pre-season was far from a routine affair for Dumbarton United’s U14 squad. On the fifth of July, the team set out on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Spain to participate in the Costa Blanca Cup, an annual tournament which welcomes youth clubs, sports schools and colleges from all over the world to compete against each other over the course of a week in the beautiful surroundings of Benidorm. Team coach Duncan MacCalman explains the remarkable story behind the 14s competing in such a prestigious tournament: “Two years ago, we were down in Haggerston playing in a tournament and we got to the final. When we sat down to have the half-time team talk, I said jokingly to the boys: we’ve already won a cup in Scotland. Bag the trophy today, and we’ll have

won in England. The only other place to go after that is Europe.” Imagine Duncan’s surprise, when, upon lifting the trophy, the boys raced up to him on the half way line, eagerly demanding where they would be going in Europe. Realising the benefits such a trip would bring to the team and getting caught up in the boys’ enthusiasm, Duncan and his colleagues then began searching, in earnest, for a European tournament to travel to. “We wanted to do something that’s never been done before in Dunbartonshire. Take a team to an international tournament.” So they settled on the Costa Blanca Cup and Benidorm as their destination. Attentions then turned to raising the not insignificant sum of £10500 that it would ultimately cost to get the boys there.

“Bag packs, race nights, climbing mountains, walking the West Highland Way, sponsored river runs and fundraising football matches, you name it, we’ve done it all,” Duncan says, laughing. Excitement really began to build as the target was reached earlier this year, confirming that every boy in the team would have complete funding to go on the trip. When the boys flew out to Benidorm on the 5th of July, they were drawn in the same section as Spanish sides Altea FC, CD Toledo and Brexo-Lema. However, the injury-hit squad was unable to progress to the second phase of the competition on this occasion. Duncan was not disheartened by results on the field though, preferring to look at the bigger picture: “The whole experience was a great one for the boys. One they’ll remember for years to come. From start to finish, we

looked like a professional football team going on a big European trip. Even in Edinburgh Airport, people going about their business were coming up and asking about us because we had the team’s name on the front of the bus, just like the professionals do.” It would seem he has a point as the benefits of participating in the tournament are already making themselves felt in pre-season training: “The boys have grown closer to each other. Friendships definitely got stronger and they really bonded well on the trip.” Marie Whalen, the 2002 team secretary, also branded the trip a great success, saying: “The coaches and boys raised a massive amount of money to go to Spain; they all worked hard for two years to raise the funds. I think the boys will realise that hard work does pay off.”

Hard work is in keeping with the ethos that Dumbarton United, as a club, strives to promote to its soon to be 13 youth teams during every training session. “Our ethos is not only about providing good football but giving all children irrespective of their capability the opportunity to be active and participate in the sport. It’s all about finding a good balance for our youngsters, enjoying themselves and having fun but also working hard and team work,” Whalen adds. In light of their recent European experience, this is a balance which Duncan has high hopes the boys can strike this season. In addition to which, a flourishing friendship between the Dumbarton boys and Spanish youngsters A.V. La Chimenea will ensure that the trip’s legacy will be felt for years to come.

ISSUE 2

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WATCH OUR LATEST VIDEOS WITH QPR & IMPROTECH ON YOU TUBE

The top 4 Save of the Season candidates with Neil Alexander

INAUGURAL AWARD By Conor Matchett Hearts goalkeeper Neil alexander attended the YFS open Night at glasgow’s Woodside Hall to present the Jak Trueman Save of the Season award for the best piece of goalkeeping in Scottish youth football.

The award was established by YFS in honour of a promising young grassroots goalkeeper who sadly passed away after an inspirational, dogged battle with an aggressive, rare type of cancer. The former Rangers No. 1 and three-time Scotland cap attended the event as patron of the Team Jak Foundation.

In the final few months of the 15 year-old’s life, Alexander became friends with the courageous Trueman and promised to help raise funds for a purpose-built cancer care facility, planned for Mid Calder, West Lothian, for young sufferers. Alexander said: “He was just such a special, brave young man who, in the face of everything that was going on, always had a smile on his face and was still thinking of others. He inspired people, myself included.”

“We want to keep his name out there and keep raising money and awareness and doing good.” The 37-year-old former UEFA Cup finalist added: “It’s great to be a part of it and I am just glad I could make it here to meet the young keepers and be a part of the night.” Alexander presented the inaugural Jak Trueman Goal of the Season award to Renfrew Victoria U15s’ Aaron McKissock, whose fantastic reactionsave was deemed to be the winner from a four-strong shortlist by YFS’ online audience. Voters included St Mirren’s Mark Ridgers and veteran Forfar and exCeltic star Rab Douglas. McKissock’s amazing, finger-tip save came after the ball looped off one of his own defenders and landed at the feet of an opposition striker. The forward’s well-struck volley would have been no match for most keepers, but McKissock was equal to it with his acrobatic leap enabling him to tip it over the bar.

“We want to keep Jak’s name out there and keep raising money and awareness and doing good.” 56

SAVE OF THE SEASON

IS IN SAFE HANDS A delighted McKissock said: “It’s great and to be the first person to win this award just makes it more special.”

Discussing the save, he recalled: “I saw it late, the ball came through, the defender made a bad mistake and it’s gone over the two centre backs and come through at the penalty spot. He just smashed it, but I put my hand out and got to it. “It was maybe half technique, half instinct – but I got to it.” The other finalists’ efforts were similarly impressive. Calum Boyle’s heroic penalty save at full-stretch for Broxburn Athletic Colts U14s against Armadale Falcons came at the end of a dramatic cup final shoot-out. “I went the right way for every penalty and managed to save the last one to win the cup. It was the best night of my football career.

the bar. Heart of Midlothian U15s’ Josh Dunn produced a similar save – which Alexander praised as “unbelievable” – in response to a classy, curled effort from 20 yards, Dunn took flight to tip the superb shot over the bar.

Dunn was “well chuffed” with his nomination and said: “The boy in the middle of the park took it past a number of players and I was shouting at my defenders to close him down, which they didn’t. He hit it nicely and I backpeddled and ﬂung myself at it and managed to get a touch on it. Alexander added: “Congratulations to the four boys who were nominated. I would have been proud to have made any of their saves, so that just shows how good the saves were. I think you could have handed out four trophies tonight.”

“Win or lose, it’s just an honour to be here.” Dylan Orr of Blantyre SA U13s did extremely well to palm a right-footed, high shot from the edge of the box over

Football Freestyler David Mennie impresses at the award ceremony

ISSUE 2

By David Kelly If the quality of the goals featured in Youth Football Scotland’s 2014/15 Jamie Skinner Goal of the Season competition is anything to go by, the future of the Scottish game is very bright indeed. Named in honour of the young exTynecastle FC player who tragically lost his life after collapsing while playing football in December 2013, the competition saw twelve finalists go head-to-head in a popular vote of thousands of readers via Facebook, Twitter and the YFS website. In the end, Luke Fleming’s 30-yard wonder-strike for Blue Brazil BC against Lochgelly Albert Colts in the Fife Cup U15 Final at Glenrothes Juniors’ Warout Stadium emerged victorious. The move began with a skilful chip forward from the back which was laid off first-time to Fleming, who allowed the ball to bounce before letting fly with the sweetest of strikes into the top corner. Despite also scoring in the shoot-out, his efforts were not enough to stop Lochgelly getting their hands on the trophy after a tense penalty shoot-out.

“When Luke positioned himself to strike it I can remember saying to myself ‘No fae there son’” Luke’s then-coach Trevor Kay, whose son Harris was also involved that day for the Blues, said: “When Luke positioned himself to strike it I can remember saying to myself ‘No fae there son’ but then he unleashed one of the best strikes I have seen at that level for a long time and it was still rising when it hit the top corner. Lochgelly’s goalkeeper – who is the tallest goalkeeper in our league at six foot plus – didn’t even get a sniff of it. “It was disappointing to lose the game after that on penalties but Luke’s goal will always be remembered and I’m chuffed it won Goal of the Season.” Luke, who now turns out for Glenrothes Juniors, recalled: “I saw the chance to shoot and I just thought ‘go for it’ and hope for the best. “I looked up all the other goals and I didn’t think I’d win, so when I saw the voters had picked me I couldn’t believe it. I was over the moon.”

In second place was Tyler McGee’s goal against Clyde FC SOF for Croftfoot United U14s in difficult, frosty conditions. The diminutive striker, finding himself without any support deep in the opposition half, trapped a long ball forward and bravely held off his marker, before beating a second defender and dinking a delicate lob over the keeper and into the net from 18 yards. The top three was rounded off by Dylan Brown’s high, looping shot into the top corner to finish a textbook, lightning-fast counter-attack for Rangers SABC U14s in their 4-1 Central Region League Cup final victory over Kilsyth Athletic. Brown went on to score an outstanding hat-trick. The pick of the rest of the goals include Emma Lawton’s long, mazy run, nutmeg and curled finish for Celtic FC Girls Academy 13s against Kilmarnock in a Scottish Cup semi-final and Adam McGow’s Beckham-esque free-kick for Maryhill Juniors U16s.

GOAL OF THE SEASON

Luke Fleming’s 30 yard wonder-strike in pictures

To see all twelve cracking goals, from Fleming’s thunderbolt to Lawton’s channelling of Jimmy Johnstone, visit our YouTube page at

www.yfs.news/jamie-skinner-gots

ISSUE 2

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VOLUNTEERING WITH YFS Are you interested in working in the media industry? Want to gain practical experience in a multi-media environment? Or maybe you just want to contribute to help promote the grassroots game. If you meet any of these criteria, volunteering with Youth Football Scotland could be for you. We are always looking to get new volunteers involved with our organisation no matter what age you are, where you live, or what experience you have. All we ask is that our volunteers are keen to get involved and want to positively promote the grassroots game in Scotland. With over 100 current volunteers, and with many previous volunteers going on to obtain work in the media industry, we have a strong record of helping people develop their skills in an area of their passion. As we look to expand and enhance our coverage for 2015/16, there isn’t a better time to get involved. At the moment YFS provides volunteering opportunities in the following areas:

MATCH REPORT Covering youth football matches for the Scottish FA, SPFL, SYFA, and SWFA.

ARTICLE WRITING Covering different stories and/or events for multiple different organisations, clubs, and teams.

PHOTOGRAPHY Covering youth football matches and events. This includes the most high profile youth matches in the country from Hampden Park, Celtic Park, Ibrox stadium, and Scotland youth national matches. VIDEOGRAPHY Providing TV highlights or more creative

pieces. As well, for the best and most committed videographers, paid work is often available.

YFS RADIO Live radio commentaries from the biggest youth matches and the possibility of a new weekly podcast.

SUMMER MEDIA INTERNSHIP If you’re based in or around the Edinburgh area, we are offering the opportunity to have a two to four week internship at our office. All our volunteers have the opportunity to get involved in all of these areas, and we actively encourage this as part of developing multi-media skills. However, each volunteer decides what areas they want to work in and how much time they commit.

If you’re interested in applying or for more information, visit www.youthfootballscotland.co.uk/vacancies. Alternatively, you can email recruitment@youthfootballscotland.co.uk or call 0131 629 7903 to speak to our volunteer co-ordinator team. www.youthfootballscotland.co.uk

SPORTS SCIENCE NoT JuST For THe proS Colin Levey, the sport scientist behind St Johnstone’s Scottish Cup win in 2014, tells you how youth clubs can use a few simple methods to embrace the scientific side of the sport. In today’s game, physical demands are ever increasing in football. Sport science practices are now common in almost every professional and semiprofessional club in the country. In this piece, I aim to outline a few very simple methods which will help you introduce an effective sport science structure at your grassroots club.

SLeep aND reCoVerY

With increases in training demands and activity levels comes a need for an increase in recovery between sessions. Not only is sleep essential to brain development and cognitive functioning in young athletes, but sleep allows the body essential time to repair and adapt to training stimulus. Young athletes, active on a regular basis should be aiming to get between 9 -10 hours of quality sleep per night. Coaches could request players to fill in a sleep recording sheet for a week to assess their average sleep time and quality.

WarM-up

Every training session should be preceded with an effective warm-up with a specific focus. The aim of these warm-ups should be to not only gradually increase body temperature, muscle temperature and mobility, but should also aim to decrease injury prevalence. Warm-ups should aim to be progressive, multi directional, and challenging. I like to incorporate a range of dynamic mobility exercises and also spend some time on bilateral and unilateral landing mechanics, for example, single leg lateral jumps and various types of bounding exercises. These exercises will develop balance, coordination, strength around the knee and ankle as well as strength in the hamstrings quads and glutes.

NuTrITIoN

Fast becoming one of the biggest areas of sport science is nutrition. Whilst there are numerous areas in which nutrition can be improved, you should try and focus on the most important areas within your control with your players, the fluids and foods ingested immediately post training. You should encourage your players to not only eat a healthy and balanced diet, but you should also encourage them to bring a snack high in protein for eating immediately post training together with water or an electrolyte drink.

This 30 minute window post training is the body’s opportunity to ingest quality protein and fluids which will fuel recovery and adaptation from training. Something as simple as chocolate flavoured milk can have a positive impact on your players’ recovery. You should also encourage your players to follow this snack up with a high quality meal within an hour and a half of cessation of training. This should contain quality sources of protein, carbohydrates and fat. It may be worthwhile producing an information booklet to distribute to parents who may be ultimately responsible for your players’ nutrition.

SPORTS SCIENCE 4

STreNgTH aND CoNDITIoNINg

You may not have access to a strength and conditioning facility but that doesn’t mean that S&C can’t be an integral part of your squad’s training (when they have reached the right age). As I discussed in the warmup section, you can include aspects of S&C training built into your warm-up or as a separate part of your session. With youth players I suggest building quality not quantity of movements. Areas that I would focus on with youth players would be single leg strength movements which can be done on the pitch. These can include, single leg squats, lunges, lateral lunges and lunge jumps. Postural stability and control of movement should be the emphasis for these movements. You can also develop the power and explosive capabilities of your players by incorporating jump training into their training, both bilateral and unilateral. Other areas that can be developed are upper body strength in the form of pressups and mid-section or “core” training. Beware that sit ups aren’t necessarily the

right answer for core training. Think outside of the box and develop core strength in dynamic scenarios like bear crawls and partner wrestles.

VIDeo aNaLYSIS

Normally an area that gets very little exposure at amateur and youth level, however with the right application and coaching it can be a very useful tool. From video analysis of a strength and conditioning session to a simple passing drill, there are numerous applications and endless reasons to include video analysis in your training. Youth players are constantly being coached and receiving feedback on their performance. However, it is very easy to assume that what we are telling our players is being immediately absorbed, when in reality the truth can be very different. The same as children in schools, youth players will have a variety of learning styles, and this is no different on the training pitch. Some are kinaesthetic learners whilst some are more

Colin Levey with the Scottish Cup visual learners. Providing video feedback on a training drill or a game scenario could be an invaluable tool to reinforcing your coaching points. Youth players very rarely will have the opportunity to see themselves perform and I believe this is an area that is rarely tried and tested but one with limitless possibilities.

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or email: info@skirmishscotland.co.uk ISSUE 2

GONE VIRAL

Anything Man City can do, St Johnstone can do better. When City’s multi-million pound under-18 youth squad had a go at the so-called ‘header bin challenge’ – involving a group of players keeping the ball airborne for as many consecutive headers as possible before the final link in the chain deposits the ball into a waiting bin – at their swanky £200 million training complex, their 20-header exchange raked in over half-a-million YouTube views. However, when their development squad counterparts at St Johnstone tried their luck, they came up trumps. The Perth club’s under-20s team strung together a sensational 49 headers in a semi-circle around their modest dressing room and back before orchestrator Dylan Easton’s final header into a bin sparked wild celebrations. Paul Smith, football administrator at McDiarmid Park, said: “It was a great effort from the boys involved – particularly as it was very much a ‘spur of the minute’ thing as they waited to go training. The speed at which it went viral was a very stark illustration of the quickness and wide-reaching nature of social media.” Their now famous feat has, according to Smith, significantly “boosted our profile”. “It was great to see it being shown on things like Sky Sports News and on some Twitter feeds that wouldn’t otherwise be covering St Johnstone,” he said. “On the morning of our UEFA Europa League tie against Alashkert from Armenia, I was showing the match officials around the stadium and they walked past Dylan Easton. The referee recognised him and said ‘Ah – the famous header man!’ Dylan was made up.”

Smith commented: “Ironically, Dylan has since left the club, but we are very confident that the rest of the group of lads involved will be knocking on the first team door soon. Liam Gordon and George Hunter are out on loan at Elgin City now, and Jason Kerr is on loan at Montrose, and that will bring on all these boys.”

Although his antics earned him a global audience, Easton has since quit McDiarmid Park by “mutual consent” in search of regular first-team football. Within days of becoming a free agent, however, the 21 year-old former Livingston and Berwick Rangers striker was handed a trial by Hibernian manager Alan Stubbs.

The 17 year-old is something of a veteran himself, at least of the grassroots game, having plied his trade with Loanhead MYFC for several years before only recently signing his first professional contract with the Perth Saints. “It’s good to make that step up to professional football, it’s a big difference, and I’m hoping I can do well,” he said. “The quality of training is a lot better, it’s definitely an improvement. It’s something else training with Alan and Zander. They’re both really good goalkeepers and I’m here to learn from them.”

By DAvID KELLy ISSUE 2

Youtube clip

bY david KellY

t’s not every day that a youth football match in Edinburgh is watched by millions and those involved become overnight social media celebrities. But that is exactly what happened to the players of Hutchison Vale under-14s and Newcraighall Leith Vics under-14s after a controversial, seemingly unique incident during a dramatic cup final penalty shootout between the sides was caught on camera by a Youth Football Scotland videographer and quickly went viral. In the must-see footage from midway through the tense shoot-out, Hutchie’s Theo McGuire strikes a penalty hard and low to the goalkeeper’s right. He guesses the right way and gets down well to block the ball, which begins to bounce upwards. The penaltytaker, head in hands, turns away from goal, instantly convinced he has missed. But, as the celebrating goalkeeper Tyler McGee stands up, he fails to catch the ball cleanly and, totally unaware, allows it to spill out of his arms and trickle over the line. To Newcraighall’s incredulity, the referee indicates a goal and points silently to the ball now nestled in the back of the net.

Illustration by Ethan Walthall

Our videographer, Sergiu Timar, who captured the remarkable footage from a unique, revealing vantage point on the pitch directly in front of goal, said: “At the end of the extra time, I introduced myself to one of the referees and I told him that I would like to get the best angle, if possible, for the shoot-out and that would mean to be on the pitch and place the camera on a straight line with the goal posts. As I was aware that I can’t be too close to the action, I told him that I would zoom-in and stay behind, near the centre of the pitch. After he checked with the other referees he said that was fine.

GONE VIRAL

nd penalty a l t o c S l l a b t o o Youth F hes more c a e r o e id v n io confus outube! Y n o s w ie v n io than 2 mill

“My first reaction was that the keeper saved it. It looked like the keeper had total control before throwing the ball into the net. But after I got back home, I checked the video on a bigger screen and, after seeing the footage again and reading the official rules, I changed my opinion.”

goalpost and under the crossbar, the ball touches either or both of the goalposts and/or the crossbar and/or the goalkeeper.’

passed between the posts having been ‘touched’ by the goalkeeper.

“It looked like the keeper had total control before throwing the ball into the net.”

Sergiu’s remarkable recording has now been viewed over 2.3 million times on YouTube and covered by everyone from the Daily Record to Eurosport. The remarkable clip sparked a global debate online about whether the referee was correct to or whether the Newcraighall keeper should have been judged to have saved the penalty.

As the video went viral, it became clear that social media was unable to reach any kind of consensus, so Grassroots asked Willie Young, one of Scotland’s former top referees, to settle the argument once and for all. Speaking in a personal capacity, he said: “The Laws of the Game state that a penalty kick has only been completed when the Referee decides it has (Law 14).

“In this clip the ball appears to have been ‘saved’ initially by the goalkeeper who then releases it almost immediately and as part of the same movement, allowing it to roll between the posts and into the goal. “In terms of the Law 14, it is for the Referee to decide when the penalty kick has been completed and it appears that he has decided that it was not completed until after the ball had

the sport bible

“As soon as he appears in frame, the Referee seems to signal that a goal has been scored, since he points towards the other half of the field of play, which is the traditional (albeit unofficial) signal that a goal has been scored. “So the answer to your question is ‘Yes’ [the penalty was scored].” However, he added: “Of course, the Referee could have opted to decide that the penalty kick had been completed when the ball was ‘saved’ initially by the goalkeeper, in which case he wouldn’t have awarded the goal.” Thanks, Willie. That’s that cleared up then. We think.

eurosport

“It also states that ‘when a penalty kick is taken... a goal is awarded if, before passing between the

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ISSUE 2

CRAIG GOWAN MEMORIAL MATCH

By Alasdair Hooper

here are a lot of things you can do in 105 hours. You could watch the entirety of Friends, back-to-back, and follow it up with all of Gavin and Stacey. You could walk to Northampton from Edinburgh. You could even drive from Edinburgh to Rome, and back again, twice, and still have enough time to fit in a Roma game on your trip. However, for 36 footballers, they used 105 hours to do something far more productive and worthwhile. On July 4th this year, at Spartansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ainslie Park Stadium, they embarked upon the challenge of breaking the world record for the longest 11-a-side football match ever played. On July 8th they succeeded, after the game finally ended with a score line that read 774-707. With the players resting for no more than six hours at a time, it was a truly stunning achievement. So why put your body through such pain? The challenge was all about raising money in memory of former Falkirk player Craig , a promising young Falkirk FC footballer who died tragically in a training ground accident on July 8th 2005 aged just 17 and only two weeks into his first professional contract at the club. Despite his talent on a football

pitch, it was his personality, character and giving nature that has left its mark on those who knew him. The Craig Gowans Memorial Fund was established in 2007 with the aim of ensuring that his memory is used as a driving force for good. Subsequently, it was decided that this July, the 10-year anniversary of Craig Gowans’ passing, this ambitious record-breaking challenge should be embarked upon with the hope of raising £37,000 (37 being Craig’s Falkirk squad number) for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation. The money will help fund a sensory room, in Craig’s name, at the new Sick Kids Hospital under construction at Little France, Edinburgh. The players had to play through the night and a torrential rainstorm on the third night, spurred on by pipers, friends and supporters. They can all be immensely proud of their physical accomplishment and the amount of money they raised. The memorial fund committee, consisting of Jonny Wallace, Dario Alonzi, Eoghan Molloy and Chris O’Shea, took some time out to discuss this fantastic event.

How did you come up with idea of attempting to beat the world record for an 11-a-side game as a fundraiser? “About 5 years ago Dario, Eoghan, Chris and I were reminiscing about our buddy Craig and the amazing contributions The Craig Gowans Memorial Fund had made to charitable causes such as CHAS, Chesney Trust and the Sick Kids Friends Foundation. The idea just jumped into my head, like the man himself planted it there - let’s do something big that will literally go down in the history books for Craig. There was nothing more relevant than playing the longest 11-a-side football match ever recorded in his memory.

“Sleep deprivation was also a tough challenge for many of the guys; most of us went a little ‘doo-lalley’ at times. I think I got about two hours sleep in the five days, but this just led to some incredibly funny moments on and off the football pitch.”

What has your reaction been to the support that you’ve received? “The support we received was just overwhelming. A special mention must go to John and Sheila Gowans, who were absolutely outstanding, providing a hefty supply of MacDonald’s’, ice cream, cups of tea and generally just making sure you were comfortable being stuck in the ‘cage’ for 5 days.

“During the last hour of the game, I was crying with happiness and joy, but also sadness at the same time.”

“After Craig’s birthday past on the 5th of February 2014, we all decided to just go for it and we got the ball rolling with the planning and organising.”

What were the biggest challenges? “The biggest challenges we faced during the 105 hours of football, apart from the physical demands of playing a full premiership season (including all cup matches and a good run in Europe) in the space of five days, was definitely the mental challenge which stood in our way. “The most difficult time for us was during ‘Monsoon Monday’, when it was torrential rain all night long. But due to the incredible team spirit we all got through it – after all, we were just a little wetter than before.

How did you feel once the game finished? “I felt overcome with sheer emotion. During the last hour of the game, I was crying with happiness and joy, but also sadness at the same time. I was sad that it was 10 years since Craig, one of the most wonderful people I had the privilege of calling a best friend, tragically passed away. But I was also elated that we managed to beat all expectations and deliver this massive fundraising event on his behalf. “When we all heard we had smashed the fundraising target and raised over £100,000, I felt a great sense of pride, something I had never really felt since his passing. I genuinely felt that we had made Craig proud. He inspired us all to get this far and we will continue to use his name as our inspiration. He’s always in our thoughts and we will never forget him.”

“We had great support from everyone involved. The general helpers were super. The sponsors, the media contacts were amazing too. “Big shout out to the Scottish FA, John Hughes, Robbie Neilson, Hibernian Community Foundation, Alex McLeish and Murdo McLeod for showing that when tragedy hits football those who love the sport, and know Craig’s story, pull together to deliver something amazing. There really are just too many people to thank for the support we had, but they should all know who they are! “We’ve now seen people comment on The Craig Gowans Guinness World Record Match from all over the world, from India to America, Bulgaria to Dubai.”

Lastly, would you do it all again? “We would all do it again in a heartbeat if it was for Craig and the Gowans family. It was the best experience of all our lives (so far). It was by far the toughest challenge of our lives, but I would not change a thing.”

ISSUE 2

GRASSROOTS FINDS OUT WHAT MAKES KILLIE STRIKER RORY MCKENZIE TICK AUTHORS: CONOR MATCHETT AND DAVID KELLY INTERVIEW: JONATHAN MCINTOSH Which clubs did you play for in your career? I started off at Caledonia, and then after Caledonia I played for Troon Thistle, I played for Troon for years.

Favourite goal you’ve ever scored? It’s a toss up. I scored one against Dundee a couple of seasons ago that was alright, and then the one against Ayr last season – I think just the importance of the match.

When did you get picked up by Kilmarnock? I probably shouldn’t say this but I was actually at Ayr before, and then there was Ayrshire Rangers and Celtic training sessions but I think I signed with Kilmarnock U13s. Best players played against/with during youth career? I played with Jamie Ness who was at Stoke and Rangers. He was also from Troon, but when I was young you can’t really remember, the Celtic and Rangers boys they were always considered head and shoulders above everyone else, but everyone else caught up. Who did you look up to growing up, who was your idol? David Beckham was mine, I always had him in the back of my mind and I had tops when I was younger.

Imagine you’re 37; what do you hope to be looking back on in regards to your career? An enjoyable time. I obviously want to win trophies and you want to play at the highest level you can. That’s what I want to look back on. How important was Scottish Premiership record goalscorer Kris Boyd to your development when you played with him before and how important will he be for your and the team’s development going forward?

He was massive, not just for my development but for the team in general. Last time he was here he scored 22 or 23 goals so for the team he was really important. But “Kris Boyd makes me for me as well he is great to play alongside; he makes me look good. look good. If I put the If I put the ball in the box for him ball in the box for him, he’ll score goals so for everybody he’ll score goals” he was massive. You broke into Kilmarnock first team three years ago, how important was it to get first team football at that stage in your career? It was massive! At the time I didn’t expect to break through that young. The biggest thing was going out on loan, I’d played a few first team games here but going out on loan to Brechin, that was a turning point for me, I think.

If a young footballer asked you for one bit of advice, what would it be? Enjoy it; I learned that last year. To play well you need to enjoy your football, so that’s what I’d say. What was the first match you went to as a fan? Scotland v Liechtenstein, or Lithuania. It was one of the two, Scotland won 3-0. That was my first game.

Favourite food? I like fish. Trying to think… Seabass! Favourite drink? I like smoothies, I like Fuel. You ever been to Fuel in Glasgow? I like a Fuel, a fat-burner. What boots do you wear? Nike boots. Favourite film? That’s a tough one, I like sporty films. Can I come back to that one? I like the Lincoln Lawyer. It’s got Matthew McConaghey, anything with him in it I seem to like. Playstation or Xbox? Xbox. Favourite game? FIFA. You recently came runner up in a golf tournament in Troon, did you ever get close to being a professional golfer? No, it was perfect me playing golf outside of football. If I took golf too serious it would get to me too much. At the time I’d have liked to have gone and studied and played golf in America at the same time, but I don’t think I was ever good enough to turn professional.

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