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Trans World Soccer

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Y 3-6 DA GES

PACKA BLE AVAILA

SPANISH FOOTBALL TOURS Visit Barcelona and Madrid on a once in a lifetime Spanish Tour!

GS BOOKIN BLE AVAILA TER FOR EAS 2017

This amazing trip has been a dream come true for our team. Training and playing against such skillful, talented teams in Barcelona and Madrid has boosted confidence in preparation for the upcoming season. Watching Barcelona play live, touring the Camp Nou and Santiago Bernabeu and seeing their idols up close will live with us forever!

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BARCELONA EASTER TOURNAMENT THURSDAY 13th - SUNDAY 16th APRIL 2017

STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES

HIGH CALIBER COMPETITIVE FOOTBALL

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION

TAKE ON THE WORLD IN SUNNY SPAIN NEXT EASTER! • Register before 30th April for 10% early bird discount!

• Return ﬂights from Edinburgh or Glasgow with transfers

• U10 - U19 boys & girls

• Luxury Accommodation

• State of the Art facilities

• Bolt on a Camp Nou Tour or a visit to Spain’s largest Theme Park

• High calibre competitive football

Prices start from

£499 per person*

Call 0131 510 1008 or email info@twsoccer.com today to book your club’s place today! You’re in safe hands

YOUR ONE STOP RESOURCE FOR FOOTBALL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES ISSUE 4

MAY 2016 ISSUE 4

CONTEN S 8

PICS OF THE EDITION

YOUR STORIES

KIM LITTLE

IFEOMA DIEKE

CELEBRITY INSTAGRAM

FOOTBALL DOPPELGANGERS

MAURICE EDU

YFS FUNNIES

FREESTYLE FOOTBALL

BOOTS

KIT: FASHION

PUZZLES

GRASSROOTS RISING STAR: CAROLINE WEIR

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Illustrated by our three cover stars (created by Richie Walthall), the USA and Scotland have a football (or soccer) partnership of sorts. We’ve had American’s play at the top level

In this edition, we look at three footballers who have different ties between the two countries. A Scot playing in America, an American who played in Scotland, and an American

born Scot who returned to learn their trade in the US. Three cracking stories to sink your teeth into. On top of that, we speak to Liverpool ladies player Caroline Weir and US female freestyler Caitlyn Schrepfer. Alongside your stories from stateside, it’s a full edition. Enjoy! Robert Wilson GrasrootsEditor

Club Crest Challenge 1. J 2. H 3. I 4. D 5. A 6. F 7. C 8. B 9. G 10. E

PUZZLE ANSWERS Spot The Ball F1, C5

of Scottish football and we now have Scot’s playing at the top level of American football. With the growth of the game across the pond (both male and female), it’ll be of little surprise if we don’t see more Scot’s ply their trade in the States.

Youth Kit 1. RIVERSIDE CSC 2. MONIFIETH LFC 3. ROSSVALE FC 4. LEITH ATHLETIC FC

The big question asked of Scottish politicians recently was about Donald Trump. Do you deal with him or dingy him? While our politics couldn’t be further apart currently, on the football pitch, there is a beautiful harmony between two nations.

“THERE WERE TOO MANY G R E AT M O M E N T S ”

CREDITS EDITOR

Robert Wilson

DEPUTY EDITORS David Kelly

FEATURE WRITERS

Blair Meikle Bruno Pantaleoni Claire Gulline Conor Matchett Dan Smith David Reid Gregor Kerr Harvey Nafpliotis Mark Gillespie Ryan Crombie

Ryan Rowe Sean Selkirk Simon Ritchie

MANAGING DIRECTOR

PHOTOGRAPHY

STRATEGY & PLANNING DIRECTOR

Claire Gulline Colin Poultney Drew Porch Joanne Cortes Kira Sutter Malcolm Mackenzie Omar Yassen Susie Raeburn Thomas Sands Tracey Howe Violet Shelley

Brian McNally David Walthall

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Murray Milligen

FRONT COVER ARTWORK Richie Walthall

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

ISSUE 4

PICS OF THE EDITION

Putting the boot in - quite literally! Photo: COLIN POULTNEY

PICS OF THE EDITION

The joy and despair of football... Photo: DREW PORCH

Christopher ‘Kit’ Cummins

READ THE FULL STORY! QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS First football match you remember attending as a fan? Celtic V Parma Your favourite goal that you’ve ever scored? A hat-trick at the national tournament last year in Orlando, Florida. Your favourite food? Chinese

Favourite film? The Blind Side Playstation or Xbox? Playstation Favourite console game? Fifa

PLAYER PROFILE CHRISTOPHER ‘KIT’ CUMMINS

Your favourite drink? Mango Juice

Age (including DOB): 22 years old 2/7/1993

What boots do you currently wear? Nike Vapours

Place of birth: Glasgow Current residence: Glasgow Height: 6ft 5” Weight: 160 pounds Former Scottish and US Youth clubs: Busby AFC, Linwood Rangers and Shorter Hawks Men’s Soccer

FRED STOCKTON OF STONEHAVEN YFC TALKS ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCE WITH THE MLS I was working in Houston and was interested in the local MLS standard compared to my local SPFL team Aberdeen (I am not a red). The match was Houston Dynamo v Colorado Rapids in US open Cup. The game was due to kick-off at 8:00pm local time, however after a two-hours and 48-minute weather delay that left the field virtually underwater at the scheduled KO time, the game kicked off at 10:48pm. When the team finally could take to the pitch, Owen Coyle came across to for a chat recognising a non-Texas accent. All I shouted was, “What time do you call this? “Some of us have bed to go to!” It was just a bit of fun. He laughed and explained the travel times, vast distances, and match schedules dictated that it had to be played no matter what. We complain about anything over an hour in the car. In Texas, that’s next door! The game finished 1-0 to Houston, the next day! Soccer is massive over in the states and growing all the time. The standard was more athletic than technical. Fast and furious. Scotland’s player pathway will hopefully give us both athletic and technical players.

YOUR STORIES ST MIRREN HEAD OF YOUTH JOINS ORLANDO CITY With the beautiful game constantly developing over in the United States, St Mirren have announced that Head of Youth Development, David Longwell, is the latest to take up a position across the pond, as the new Academy Director at Orlando City. Longwell will make the move to The States at the end of March. Longwell has played an integral part of the set-up at the Paisley club ever since 2001 as a Community Coach, and has overseen and contributed to the development of established players such as Kenny McLean, John McGinn and Stephen Mallan since taking the head youth position in 2005. Longwell’s efforts have been recognised on numerous occasions, noticeably last week, when St Mirren were awarded with the Club Academy Scotland’s Gold Level Award for the third year running. Speaking to saintmirren.net, Longwell said that “It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I will be leaving St Mirren Football Club. I would like to thank all our staff, players and fans and everyone associated with St Mirren FC for the support and help I have been given during my time at the club.”

DAVID LONGWELL Longwell told the club’s website that the offer in Florida was one that he “couldn’t refuse”. He added: “I would like to thank the St Mirren FC board for their support in allowing me to take up this position, and also for giving me the opportunity to oversee and evolve a wonderful Youth Development programme at St Mirren over the years.” The new CEO at the Paisley 2021 Stadium, Tony Fitzpatrick, was also keen to sing Longwell’s praises, as he said: “I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve known David a long time as we had coached together before he joined St Mirren.” “You just have to look at the players he has produced in his time at St Mirren. He has done

an incredible job as he has kids playing proper football while also instilling great values and morals in them. He has also taken the Academy to great levels having earned Club Academy Scotland’s Gold Level which many other clubs haven’t achieved.” Longwell joins the likes of Owen Coyle, Martin Rennie and Mo Johnson as a Scot who is keen to ply his trade in the United States. He joins the Florida side which formed in 2013, and who finished 7th in the Eastern Conference last season. Longwell’s presence if sure felt to be missed at St Mirren, who will look to find a new Head of Youth Development to lead the next crop of youngsters into the future.

BY GREGOR KERR

ISSUE 4

YOUR STORIES DAVID N A D I R E H S

READ THE FULL STORY!

QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS First football match you remember attending as a fan? Celtic vs Hibs at Parkhead Your favourite goal that you’ve ever scored? Probably in a game last year when i scored E PLAYER PROFIL the golden goal with a couple DAVID SHERIDAN of minutes to go in a game we needed to win to make n Full name David Sherida nationals. Age (including DOB): 21, 06/06/1994 Your favourite food? Pasta Place of birth Glasgow Your favourite drink? Healthy Current residence Florence, South answer - Chocolate milk. Carolina Unhealthy answer - probably Height 5’11” best not to say... Weight 175 lbs What boots do you currently Current Club and squad number (if wear? Copas applicable) Francis Marion University. Favourite film? Anchorman Number 4 Former Scottish and US Youth clubs Hamilton Accies FC and Clyde FC

Playstation or Xbox? Playstation Favourite console game? Fifa

PLAYER PROFILE CHRISTY GRIMSHAW

Full name Christy Grimshaw Age (including DOB) 20, 8/11/95 Place of birth Dunfermline, Scotland Current residence Aberdeen, Scotland or Miami, Florida, US

CHRI GRIM STY SHAW

Height 5ft 9” Weight 135 lbs Current Club and squad number (if applicable) Barry University , #14 Former Scottish and US Youth clubs Drumchapel Amateurs FC, Deeside Girls FC, Aberdeen Ladies FC

QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS First football match you remember attending as a fan? Celtic vs Hibs at Parkhead Your favourite goal that you’ve ever scored? Probably in a game last year when i scored the golden goal with a couple of minutes to go in a game we needed to win to make nationals. Your favourite food? Pasta Your favourite drink? Healthy answer - Chocolate milk. Unhealthy answer - probably best not to say... What boots do you currently wear? Copas

READ THE FULL STORY!

Favourite film? Anchorman Playstation or Xbox? Playstation Favourite console game? Fifa

ISSUE 4

PLAYER PROFILE DAVID ORR

Full name David Orr Age (including DOB) 24. 03/05/1991 Place of birth Paisley Current residence Tennessee Height 6’3 Weight 180lb/13st

DAVID ORR

Current Club and squad number (if applicable) Bethel University. No. 14. This summer I will be playing in the NPSL for Memphis City FC. Former Scottish and US Youth clubs St. Mirren and Johnstone Burgh

QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS First football match you remember attending as a fan? St. Mirren Vs Motherwell Your favourite goal that you’ve ever scored? Free kick against a team managed by Gordon Durie in Blackpool Your favourite food? Chicken carbonara Your favourite drink? Ribena What boots do you currently wear? Nike Mercurial Vapor

READ THE FULL STORY!

Favourite film? Batman, Dark Knight Playstation or Xbox? Playstation Favourite console game? FIFA

YOUR STORIES

READ FULL STORY

THE SCOTTISH DEFENDER AT THE HEART OF THE AMERICAN LIVERPOOL INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY • The former Barrhead BC and Barrhead Wasps player is now out in Texas playing for Liverpool’s International Academy. • Jack believes moving to the US has benefited his chance of making it in the football industry.

JACK ALLISON HE T D A E R Y! R O T S FULL

• Jack also discusses his time at the Academy and playing in the Dallas Cup. Article: Robert Wilson

Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit http://yfs.news/1QiJW9o

ISSUE 4

YOUR STORIES QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS

JAMIE O’GRADY

- First football match you remember attending as a fan? Liverpool v Levski Sofia in 2004. - Your favourite goal that you’ve ever scored? I scored a golden goal winner last season to win a tournament over in Washington state with 7 seconds remaining against Gonzaga University. - Your favourite food? Tuna Pasta - Your favourite drink? Lucozade Orange - What boots do you currently wear? The old school green, white and red lotto boots. - Favourite film? The Departed - Playstation or Xbox? Playstation - Favourite console game? Fifa

PLAYER PROFILE JAMIE O’GRADY

Full name James Liverpool O’Grady (go by Jamie) Age (including DOB) 21 25/10/1994 Place of birth Falkirk Current residence Oneonta, New York, Height 6’0 Weight 185 lbs Current Club and squad number (if applicable) Hartwick College #22 Former Scottish and US Youth clubs In this order, Gairdoch boys club, Livingston Pro Youth, Falkirk Pro Youth, Kerse boys club, Stenhousemuir U19’s then onto the first team.

READ THE FULL STORY! 18

READ FULL STORY SCONE THISTLE’S AMERICAN CONNECTION

Read in full by scanning the QR code or visit http://yfs.news/1QiJW9o

• Aidan (11) and Sophie (6) are both half American, with Mum Megan from the USA. • Both play for Scone Thistle and answer if they’d represent Scotland or the US, given the chance. • They also give their advice to anyone thinking about traveling to the US.

ISSUE 4

Little making it large in the USA Grassroots caught up with Kim Little, thought by many as the best female footballer on the planet.

f a FIFA World Cup-winning goalkeeper declares that you are the most talented player she has played with that probably means you possess some serious skills. That’s exactly what the USA’s number one stopper, Hope Solo, said about her Seattle Reign teammate and Scottish midfield maestro, Kim Little. Considering the wealth of talent that Solo has played alongside – you need a gifted team to win the World Cup after all – it is a telling statement and one that truly exemplifies just what a talented player Little is. “Of course, it’s very nice and a great comment from the best goalkeeper there has ever been,” responded Little. “She is the ultimate professional.” The native of Aberdeen has come on a long journey since she began playing football, at the age of seven, with her dad and her brother. At the very beginning she was turning out for Mintlaw Boys Club. What followed was a path that took her to Buchan Girls FC and then the Hibernian Ladies set up. Her impact at Hibs was telling. The club won the SWPL title, the Scottish Cup, the Premier League Cup and competed in the UEFA Champions League twice in her time there. The team went through

QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS First football match you remember attending? Aberdeen v Hearts Favourite food? Peanut Butter and Toast Favourite drink? Sparkling Water What boots do you currently wear? Nike Magistas Favourite film? Silver Linings Playbook PlayStation or Xbox? Go outside! Favourite footballer? Lionel Messi Toughest opponent you’ve faced? Becky Sauerbrunn

the entire 2006/07 league campaign undefeated, winning every match, and Little netted a mind-boggling 55 goals in just 30 appearances. If anything underlines her importance it is that stat. It’s made all the more remarkable when you consider she made her debut at the age of 16. Unsurprisingly a team with the stature of Arsenal came calling for Little’s services and more success followed. She played for the Gunners from 2008 until 2013 when she decided to cross the pond and join Seattle Reign in the United States. In doing so she followed Laura Harvey, her former manager at Arsenal, who had left in 2012 to join the Reign as head coach. Harvey is cited by Little as one of her main inﬂuences in helping her to grow and improve as a player. With Harvey making Little her top target it is clear the two work incredibly well together. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do,” said Little on her move to Seattle. “It’s a great experience and a different style and standard. “The tempo is much higher

KIM LITTLE

and the play is more physical. The game is much quicker and it has made me technically better. “It felt quite natural stepping into Seattle. The players were great.” Of course having a close friend helps anyone settle into a new place and Little has the benefit of being able to play with her fellow Scottish international Rachel Corsie. “She’s a quality player and a friend as well,” Little mentions. “A quality addition and person.”

slightly harder. Football has given me a lot of opportunities and the moves are great. I’ve gained a lot of life experience.” So as a proud Scot, currently holding 108 caps, how does life in Seattle compare to her home country?

“Probably not,” Little admits. “You never know in the future, but not right now.” Although she has been playing first team football for 9 years it is easy to forget that Little is still just 25 years old. Despite all that she has achieved in football there’s still plenty she can accomplish in her career. She’s well on her way to cementing her status as one of the best Scottish players of all time. She may even go on to be heralded as the greatest.

“Football has given me a lot of opportunities and the moves are great. As someone who has made it to the I’ve gained a lot of life experience.” top of her profession what are her

Little has just finished up playing in Melbourne City following a loan-stint during the NWSL off-season. As is becoming a regular occurrence Little enjoyed considerable success, once again, as she scored nine goals in 12 games on the way to Melbourne City winning their inaugural W-league championship. “It was different, but quite a natural step,” Little remarked on her Aussie adventure. “They had great facilities, management, and a team. “The weather and everything made it

“Seattle on the west coast is very different and relaxed,” she says. “It’s slightly more slow paced, more outdoors and surrounded by water and mountains.” Little believes that the changes to the SWPL can only be a good thing. “Through out the season you want to be as competitive as possible. You can’t have as many quality teams as the men’s game so it’s important to have competitive games week in, week out.” So could there be a return to Scotland in the future for the goal-getting midfielder?

words of advice to any young female footballer looking to be similarly ambitious? “I invested myself in football, subconsciously, but work hard and put everything into it,” Little advocates. “Train and practise to become better and always push yourself as a player.” Wise words of advice and, with a ‘Little’ helping hand, we could have some talented and skilful players emerging in the near future.

Interview by Robert Wilson Author Alasdair Hooper ISSUE 4

BY RYAN CROMBIE feoma Dieke could have chosen the stars and stripes route but opted for the roaring lion rampant instead. Dieke has never looked back since that decision and has made some remarkable achievements in the world of football, going on to make 108 appearances for the Scottish national team, representing team GB at the Olympic Games and played professionally for a host of clubs including her current side, Vittsgo GIK from Sweden. Ifeoma was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, United States, but moved over to Scotland when she was only three years of age. Ever since that move, Ifeoma has maintained many links between the US and Scotland over the years and has experienced both the Scottish and American game extensively. Cumbernauld Cosmos was her very first football club, which led in to playing for Cumbernauld ladies. It was here that her footballing career would begin to ďŹ&#x201A;ourish, as it was whilst playing for Cumbernauld ladies that she earned a football scholarship by Florida International University in Miami.

Playing in the WUSA in the last year of the league coming straight from University will always be very special to me. 22

IFEOMA DIEKE

“Going to the USA on a scholarship was always something I wanted to do having won the treble 2 years in a row with Cumbernauld Ladies. Testing myself against the best athletes in the world in my mind was something that very much appealed to me and I had no hesitation in grabbing the opportunity when it came my way.” Having completed the Scholarship in Miami, signing for Atlanta Beat and playing the majority of her youth career in Scotland, Dieke is well placed to comment on some of the differences that the two nations proffer. “The size of America compared to Scotland is incomparable, the way they treat sports at the University level is on a professional level. Getting the right help in balancing your education as well as your football, the facilities and support staff who are there to help you at all times. The competition of having between 22-30 players on your team, not to mention the number of quality opposition schools not just in the state of Florida but all over America to compete against on a weekly basis. Also, for me the everyday sunshine of Miami helped my body compared to Scotland.” Dieke has spent around eight years of her life in the States after moving back over for her scholarship and enjoyed playing for a wide variety of teams. During her scholarship years she played

for the Florida International University side the FIU Golden Panthers before signing for Women’s United Soccer Association side Atlanta Beat once she graduated. A short break was then in order as she played in Sweden for two years before returning to America to play for Chicago Red Stars and later the Boston Breakers. Having played in the USA for such a long time and with a wide variety of teams Dieke states that her favourite point in her career came straight after graduating. “I would have to say playing in the WUSA in the last year of the league coming straight from University as my first year as a pro with the Atlanta Beat will always be very special to me. Great City, teammates were amazing, coaching staff and the club were first class and nothing but great memories from the first day until the last.” The Scottish international has played professionally in many countries including two spells in the USA, two Spells in Sweden and a short period of time in Cyprus too. Intriguingly enough however, Dieke has never played for a club within the country that she represents internationally but is more than open to a move.

“I would never say never (to a move to Scotland), it wouldn’t surprise me if I do, to finish off where it all started. There’s definitely something to be said about that.” The Scottish Womens Professional League just relaunched at the beginning of March and Ifeoma Dieke agreed that it is exciting times for Women’s football in Scotland. “I definitely think it’s a positive change for all concerned, it’s important to have a competitive league from top to bottom week in week out and I believe the changes will help achieve that.”

YFS brings you a look at what some of the world’s best footballers have been getting up to on their Instagram pages! garethbale11

aubameyang97

christiano

Aubameyang and Reus is the best bromance ever

Cute pick from Bale to celebrate the birth of his second daughter

esmuellert

sr4oficial

Those are rather short shorts Cristiano!

Is there anyone who can disl ike Thomas Muller!?

neymarjr

Bonus points if you can nam e all these Brazilian superstars!

Sergio Ramos showing us how many times he read the last edition of Grassroots

leomessi

Not a bad person to play fetch with…

iamzlatanibrahimovic

He’s still the coolest man on the planet...

l l a b Foot

Jonathan Steel Cameron Johnston

Darren Fletcher

Chris Wood

Euan Deveney

Christiano Ronaldo

Gareth Bale

ISSUE 4

GRASSROOTS catches up with former Rangers star Maurice Edu to chat about his time in Scotland and his return to America

MAURICE EDU

ard-hitting American international Maurice Edu was a crowd favourite during his time at Rangers. He was a major prospect having won the Major League Soccer’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ award during his début season with Toronto FC in 2007. Edu signed for the Glasgow giants in the summer of 2008 after a year and a half with Toronto, for a fee of £2.6 million. He said he “always dreamt of playing in Europe, winning trophies and playing in the Champions League. “I wanted to make sure when I went though, that it was to the right club and situation for me. When the opportunity came to join Rangers, it was perfect. A massive club with an unbelievable fan base and a chance to pursue my goals.” Despite being a fringe player during his first couple of seasons, they were his most successful at Ibrox, winning the old Scottish Premier League in 2008-09 and 2009-10, as well as the League Cup in the latter. “There were too many great moments,” according to Edu, when commenting on which moment was his best. “Each time I walked out at Ibrox to a sold out crowd of passionate fans, winning my first league title, playing in champions league; these were all things I dreamt of and achieved there.” During the season where he won the double, he scored his most memorable goal in a Rangers jersey. On 28th February 2010, he cemented his place in Rangers folklore when he scored a 93rd minute winner in the Old Firm derby against arch rivals Celtic to help Rangers win by a goal to nil. “The Old Firm goal has to be one of my best,” says Edu. “I’m struggling to think of a better one. Not from the strike itself or because it was just a tap in, but the significance of the goal. It was in the dying seconds of the game and that win helped us clinch the title. Seeing our fans’ reactions to the goal made it that much more special for me as well and of course it was against Celtic!” 2010 was a great year for Edu. Having finally cemented a place in the starting 11, he got a call-up to the United States’ FIFA

World Cup squad, featuring in all three group stage matches. He helped Rangers win the League and Cup double for the second consecutive season during the 2010-11 campaign. During the four seasons at Ibrox, Edu’s midfield partner was for the most part Northern Ireland international Steven Davis of whom the current Philadelphia Union player had a lot of praise for. “He [Steven Davis] was a smart player with good ability and key to our team’s success. We played together in midfield and complimented each other pretty well.” His dream role as a regular starter in a

European side came to a premature end in 2012 when the Rangers financial issues came to light. It was a difficult time for Edu. “The way things ended was not ideal,” he stated. “I was actually in discussions over a new deal and then all that happened. I was playing every week and enjoying my football and also playing with the US national team. When we were relegated, my hand was forced basically because I knew if I wanted to continue being apart of the national team, I had to leave.”

He eventually panned a deal with Premier League side Stoke City on a three-year deal. “My time at Stoke didn’t go as I had hoped,” according to Edu. “I went there with the mindset of working hard and when I got my chance to take it and never look back. It was the same approach I had at Rangers and I’ve always had.” Having been a first-team regular in Scotland, he fell right down the pecking order during his first season in England, making just one substitute appearance all season in a goalless Premier League draw against Liverpool. “Unfortunately, things didn’t work out that way but that’s football sometimes. I have the utmost respect for the managers and the club and still watch the games and cheer for them. They have a good chance to finish top 10 and better than that, maybe European spot so I hope it happens for them.” After loan spells with Turkish side Bursaspor and with MLS side Philadelphia Union, he signed permanently for the latter in January 2015. “Football in the states is still relatively new, but in saying that the league has made tremendous strides. To see the league go from what it was when I started in 2007 to what it is now so quickly is very impressive.” He added that “it’s [still] a young league with room for growth and expansion and that’s exciting. I’m eager to see what this league looks like in another 20 years.”

DAN SMITH ISSUE 4

A COLLECTION OF FUNNY PHOTOS FROM ACROSS SCOTTISH GRASSROOTS

Kilmarnock FC’s new basketball academy player caught sneaking in for a game of football Photo by Malcolm Mackenzie

When you’re so good at defending you stop your own player as well… Photo by Joanne Cortes

A truly terrifying situation for a goalkeeper… the one-on-one! Photo by Thomas Sands

YFS FUNNIES

The highland jig’ is a celebration expected in FIFA 17! Photo by Drew Porch

When the opposition player is stinking! Violet Shelley Photo by

Harry Potter casting spells at a game near you… Photo by Sergiu Timar and Kieran Green

Goalkeeper or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle… Photo by Drew Porch

ISSUE 4

WarninG

Learn: B A S IC T

R IC K S H E L P Y O U B E C O MT OE

a freestyLe master!

HOW TO PERFORM

the

the BasICs

Children should be supervised when performing these manoeuvres, should practise safely, and in a safe location. Any difficult manoeuvres and tricks (i.e. ‘take it to the next level’) should often be practised thoroughly and mastered without the ball before moving on to include a football. If you suffer any pain or discomfort while performing any manoeuvre, stop immediately and seek medical advice.

NECK STALL WEBSITE

www.davidmennie.com 30

Start by stalling the ball on your foot. If you can’t manage this, feel free to chip the ball up or even throw the ball to begin with.

for the real show-offs! Chest stall to neck stall

From our last edition, you should be confident about doing a neck stall. Once you’re confident about the neck stall, marrying the two will give you a nice combination already for your routine.

Start with a neck stall and the ball balanced. You want to finish this move as normal by flicking the ball up, but don’t flick it too high. Just above head height will be fine. As soon as you flick the ball up, position yourself for a neck stall and aim to control the ball.

360 (upper)

This move effectively is merging your neck and chest stall. Start with the ball on your neck and proceed by letting the ball roll off one shoulder and at the same time, moving your body into the chest stall position.

2 Using your bodies momentum, aim to have the ball travel round your neck and onto your other shoulder. Once there, position your body back to a neck stall and the ball should flick onto your neck. Control and hold to complete the move.

Lessons from Scotland’s best freestyle footballer, David Mennie

Flick the ball to around head height. Too low and you won’t be able to control the ball on your chest. Too high and the ball will be much harder to stop and control.

Bend your knees and arch your back as shown in the picture. Now aim to stop the ball on your chest and hold.

When the ball stops and is balanced, complete the move by flicking the ball into the air. The best way to do this is to flick it off your shoulder as you return to a standing position.

ISSUE 4

QA &

What youth teams did you play for when you were younger? I played for Tustin United, which now became Albion FC out here in Orange County. When and how did you start getting involved in freestyle? I used to think it was the strangest story, but hearing from everyone else it seems mine is quite common! I suffered a hip flexor injury when I was 15 in my first year of high school and was forced to rest from soccer/football for around four months. Because of that, I took up juggling for hours at a time and had a few friends teach me some tricks. But I really got into it when I saw some of the local LA freestylers at a soccer convention in 2013- I thought it was the coolest thing ever and started practicing and keeping in contact with them after that.

Who was your football and/or freestyle idol when you were growing up/starting out? Ooh that’s a tough question; football-wise I’d have to say it was either Ronaldinho or Mia Hamm. I still look up to them in many ways. For freestyle, I think that’s even harder! In many ways I idolized most of the freestylers I know, their dedication and skill is absolutely unbelievable and a constant motivation for me, but in particular I’d have to say Tom Folan and Tobias Becs. What are your personal ambitions for the future? I intend to focus on competitions for the near future, as I’m aiming to hopefully win the World Championships. I know that it won’t be an easy feat so I’ve been training very hard lately! Aside from that, I’m hoping to help grow the female freestyle scene, there’s a

Q&A WITH ONE OF THE BEST NORTH AMERICAN FREESTYLERS, caitLyn schrepfer lot of very talented girls out there, but I think freestyle being such a prominently male sport can be a bit intimidating for a lot of them. Have you ever been to the UK/Scotland before? If so, what do you think of your time? If not, where would you like to visit? I actually have been there! I went to the UK and Scotland in early 2015 with my college football team, and since then I’ve been back to England several times. To be honest I absolutely adored it there- coming from Los Angeles our seasons basically consist of year round summer, so I quite enjoyed a change of weather and the beautiful scenery. Where do you hope freestyle football will be in ten years’ time? In ten years’ time I hope that freestyle will be recognized as its own sport, rather than an offshoot of the mainstream ones, the athletes involved spend hours upon hours training and deserve that recognition. I also hope to see the female scene grow and close the participation gap between us and the men’s side of the scene. Finally, what advice would you give to a youth footballer looking to start out in freestyle? Start where you are; don’t think about how much you have to improve just focus on training consistently and enjoying freestyle. The beginning is the hardest part, once you break through and start seeing improvement, it’s much easier to commit yourself to the results you’re getting. But more than anything just enjoy it- it’s an art, a sport, and a way of self-expression, and something that is infinitely more difficult to succeed in if you don’t enjoy the time you’re putting into it.

QUICK-fIre QUestIoNs First football match as a fan? Los Angeles Galaxy, though I’m not sure who they were playing.

I’m ringing out the last bit of use of my Adidas Summer Sambas and Conext match ball

Favourite freestyle trick? Alternate Mitchy, although I’m known for my acrobatic trick, the Catflip.

Favourite film? Harry Potter!

Your favourite food? Pho noodle soup Your least favourite food? Beets, they taste like dirt to me. Your favourite drink? Green Tea! What boots/gear do you currently wear?

Playstation or Xbox? I have to go with neither, I’m not much of a gamer on any console Toughest freestyle opponent? I haven’t battled her yet, but I’d have to say Liv Cooke- I believe that we are fairly similar in level so it should be a good battle!

FOLLOW CAITLYN @CaitFreestyle Caitlyn Schrepfer Freestyle @CaitFreestyle Caitlyn Schrepfer

FULL NAME Caitlyn Schrepfer AGE 19 HOMETOWN Placentia, California FREESTYLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2015 Top 15 in North America (males and females) YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUBS Tustin United/Albion FC

BOOTS

so fresh and

SO MEAN P U M A L AU NCH TH E SP ECI AL ED I TI ON OF T HE P U M A EVOSP EED SL CL EAT, D ESI G N E D FOR TH E U NSTAB L E W EATH ER COND I TI ONS OF SP RI NG

puma evospeed fresh

nike X camo pack

The PUMA evoSPEED Fresh is supposedly a new concept that is designed to improve your decision making when feeling fatigued and playing in hot weather conditions… So us Scot’s can forget about these then! All joking aside, these boots look top class. With the likes of Marco Reus and Sergio Aguero under the Puma label, you’ll be in good company!

ace 16+ purecontroL FIRM GROUND BOOTS

Talk about hit or miss! These designs from Nike will help you stand out from the crowd… but blend in at the same time! With four variations to choose, one should at least take your fancy. We’re a fan of the typical military camouflage version (below).

We featured the lime green version of these boots in our last edition, and Adidas have perhaps out done themselves with these! The blue version is even nicer and worn by the one and only, Paul Pogba. Whatever colour you choose, you’ll look the part out on the pitch with these.

ISSUE 4

houston dynamo adidas snapback If you’re into your snapback’s, then this MLS one is for you. Usually the orange of Houston Dynamo stands out, but this all black number is class.

men’s neW york red buLLs adidas navy bLue oriGinaLs v-neck t-shirt Yes. Just yes. Why couldn’t this have been a kit for the season!?

fc daLLas

en’s FC Dallas adidas Red Jersey T-Shirt – We like this one a lot. A lovely Adidas shirt kept quite simple. We’re a fan.

FASHION

neW york city fc 2016 AWAY KIT

What. A. Beaut. This is easily the best MLS kit out there. Wait until Pirlo is wearing this. We’re 99% sure it’ll be the coolest thing ever…

dc united fc 2016 HOME KIT

vancouver Whitecaps fc 2016 AWAY KIT

This is a really smart home design from DC United. Simple, sleek, and effective.

Could be considered hit or miss, but we’re firmly in the hit category!

seattLe sounders fc 2016 THIRD KIT

Seattle Sounders are famed for their green home kit, but this third kit will rival it in 2016. It’s a lovely design.

orLand city fc 2016 AWAY KIT

There is nothing terrible about this kit, but we can’t be the only one to think it’s a tad boring? From the amazing purple, to boring white. Disappointing.

coLumbus creW fc 2016 AWAY KIT

This is easily one of the worst kits for the new season. It certainly rivals St Mirren’s yellow kit effort…

toronto fc 2016 AWAY KIT

Zzz… Another boring design. We’ll steer clear of this one.

portLand timbers fc 2016 AWAY KIT

Another hit or miss design, but we’re not keen. Feels like we’re looking at a heart rate monitor!

ISSUE 4

SPOT THE BALL A

CAN YOU GUESS WHERE THE BALL IS IN THE FOLLOWING ACTION SHOTS?

GUESS THE YOUTH team from the kit 1

3 4 2

CLUB CREST CHALLENGE We’ve removed the names from ten youth club crests. Can you MATCH the teams FOM THE LIST BELOW? A. ARBROATH LADS CLUB B. CROFTFOOT UTD C. FERRY ATHLETIC D. GIFFNOCK S.C E. GLASGOW CITY F. HADDINGTON ATH F.C

G. LEWIS UTD YOUTH H. PRESTWICK F.C I. STIRLING CITY F.C J. WASP COMMUNITY CLUB

Answers can be found on page 6.

Grassroots gets to know a little more about Liverpool’s Rising Star, Caroline Weir INTERVIEW BY: ROBERT WILSON • AUTHOR: ROBERT WILSON what youth teams did you play for when you were starting out? I played for a boys team called Elgin Star from age 5 to 10 and then moved to Hibs and was there until I was 18.

QUICK-fIre QUestIoNs

when and how did you get picked up by hibernian lfC? I started at Hibs at 10. My sister played for the older age group so we knew there was an u13s team I could play for. who was your idol/s when you were growing up? My favourite player was Zinedine Zidane and I always wanted to play like him. You got a big move to arsenal ladies after you left high school? what was that opportunity like? It was a great experience to play with such good

players’ every day and I definitely learned a lot which will hopefully help me in years to come. You’re now at liverpool, what do you make of the standard of the current squad? I’m really happy to be at Liverpool now and excited for the season. Obviously there’s a lot of new players but pre season has gone well and the squad is looking very competitive. You’re still young, what do you feel you’ve learnt during your time in the fa wsl? I think the WSL continues to get better every year. I think it’s always been physical but each year it becomes technically better and more tactical. who are the best players you’ve played with/against in your career? The best players I’ve played with would be Kim little and Kelly Smith. Best player I’ve played against is probably Marta from Brazil. Imagine you’re at the end of your career, what do you hope to have achieved? Hopefully I can look back and say in enjoyed most of it as that’s the main thing. Help Scotland get to some

First football match you remember attending as a fan? Dunfermline v Celtic. Your favourite goal that you’ve ever scored? Probably a long range goal that lobbed the keeper. Your favourite food? Pasta Your favourite drink? Tea What boots do you currently wear? Puma Evospeed Favourite film? Bridget Jones

major tournaments and win some silverware at club level. what advice would you give to a youth footballer looking to make it in the industry? I’d always say the most important thing is enjoy it and make sure you’re constantly developing.

ISSUE 4

2ND & 3RD JULY 2016 EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY PEFFERMILL SPORTS CAMPUS

FEATURING MUSIC EVENT • M&D’S THEME PARK EURO 2016 ZONE • BEER TENT • FAMILY ZONE GAMING TENT INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FOOTBALL FESTIVAL

CODE ‘2016GIYF’ DISCOUNTED WEEKEND PASS