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Tuesday, 27 March 2018 10:59

Top of the league Townhead United 04's aim to continue winning ways in Blackpool International Trophy with Trans World Soccer

Written by Kieran Morrison

In this edition of #WhatsYourStory we look ahead to Townhead United’s trip to the Blackpool International Trophy this Easter with Trans World Soccer.

The Ayrshire outfit join a host of Scottish teams looking to make an impact in Blackpool this weekend, where they will pit their wits against teams from around the continent.

Youth Football Scotland caught up with the team coach Robbie Allen to find out a little bit more about the club, and what they are most looking forward to ahead of the tournament.

This will be Townhead United’s first tournament outside of Scotland, and Coach Robbie Allen said that ‘the team is looking forward to the challenge of playing lots of different teams and possibly creating links for games in the future’.

He also says that they are excited to ‘have a great weekend away and enjoying themselves on and off the pitch.’

United currently sit top of the West of Scotland 2004’s league, and coach Robbie Allen says that they ‘hope to push on to win the league and challenge for other cups this season’.

The boys will be aiming to make sure the Blackpool International Trophy is the start of this seasons silverware.

#WHATSYOURSTORY is a campaign to learn more about the teams participating in tournaments with Trans World Soccer throughout 2018. If you, or anyone you know is participating in one of these events please get in touch with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.and tell us your story. Alternatively, click here to learn more about the upcoming tournaments in 2018.

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Monday, 26 March 2018 13:43

Notre Dame 2004s excited for their first tournament outside of Scotland with Trans World Soccer

Written by Kieran Morrison

#WhatsYourStory

This edition of #WhatsYourStory takes a look at Notre Dame’s journey to the Blackpool International Cup at the end of March.

The boys from Glasgow will be looking to make an impact against a host of other Scottish teams, and outfits from around the continent.

Youth Football Scotland caught up with the coach Chris McGeouch ahead of their trip down south, to get an behind-the-scenes take on what the team are most looking forward to.

‘We want to create an enjoyable and memorable experience for the children’ Chris went on to say. The chance for the boys to get down and test their ability against other groups is an exciting prospect.

Chris also believes that ‘this will provide them good memories and hopeful some life skills to draw on later in life’.

This is a special tournament for Notre Dame as it is their first tournament outside of Scotland, so they will be hoping to start as they mean to go on – with a win!

1. What tournament are you going to?

Blackpool International cup

2. What are you most looking forward to?

We want to create an enjoyable and memorable experience for the children. This will provide them good memories and hopefully some life skills to draw on later in life.

3. What is something that people may not know about Notre Dame?

This will be our first tournament outside of Scotland.

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Friday, 02 March 2018 13:02

Hampden Weir 2008’s hope to have ‘great memories in years to come’ from the International Blackpool Trophy this Easter

Written by Kieran Morrison

#WhatsYourStory

In this edition of #WhatsYourStory we look ahead to Hampden Weir 2008’s trip to the Blackpool International Trophy this Easter with Trans World Soccer.

Youth Football Scotland caught up with coach Scott Brisbane ahead the of boys trip down south in Easter, and got a preview of what the team are most looking forward to.

Scott said ‘from the coaches point of view...we look forward to the boys spending time together, bonding and most of all having fun’. The team is run and coached by volunteers, after Hampden Boys Club merged with Weirs Recreation - creating Hampden Weirs RAFC.

Coach Scott expressed his delight as he believes this merger ‘created an exciting pathway for children to move from youth football from Hampden Weir RAFC right through to Amatuer level with Weirs RAFC.’

Another aspect to tournament football that Scott said they are looking forward to in Blackpool is ‘the experience the boys will get playing against teams from Scotland, Wales, England, Ireland and Europe’.

With such variety at the tournament, Scott hopes that ‘the boys will have great memories in years to come from this’.

This is the first of a few tournaments that Hampden Weir 2008’s plan on attending this year, and they will be hoping to get off to a winning start.

If you are interested in participating in Easter or Summer tournaments in 2018, click here and register your interest with Trans World Soccer.

What tournament are you attending?

This year we will be attending the Blackpool International Trophy held at Fleetwood towns training facility at Easter, later on we will no doubt be involved in some of the tournaments we took part in last year, this included the Glasgow City Cup, the Finnart Festival, the Barrhead Tournament and hopefully a few more.

What are you most looking forward to?

From the coaches point of view the thing we look forward to the most is the boys spending time together, bonding and most of all having fun, we also look forward to the experience the boys will get playing against teams from Scotland, Wales, England, Ireland and Europe, hopefully the boys will have great memories in years to come from time together like this.

What is something people may not know about Hampden Weir?

I don’t think there is much people won’t know about Hampden, were a typical local team coached and run by volunteers, 2 years ago Hampden Boys Club joined up with Weirs Recreation which became Hampden Weirs RAFC, this created an exciting pathway for children to move from youth football as Hampden Weir RAFC right through to Amateur level with Weirs RAFC.

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Wednesday, 28 February 2018 16:30

Hillwood Thistle 2003's raring to go in their first ever tournament together

Written by Kieran Morrison

#WhatsYourStory

In this edition of #WhatsYourStory we look forward to Hillwood Thistle’s trip to The Blackpool International Trophy with Trans World Soccer.

Youth Football Scotland caught up with Brian, who coaches the 2003’s and he was happy to tell us a little more about the team.

The Blackpool International Trophy is important to Hillwood Thistle for a reason unlike most others, it is the first tournament for the team.

It will be a special trip for the 2003s, who Brian told us ‘were formed out of a group of kids who weren’t getting games at their own club’, so will be looking to leave their mark and get Hillwood Thistle off to a winning start in the tournament.

The team understand that it won’t be easy, but Brian says the boys are ‘looking forward to testing themselves against quality opposition as they are a new team’.

Hillwood Thistle 2003’s will be joining a number of Scottish teams at The Blackpool International Trophy, along with a host of foreign teams, but with it being their first ever tournament together, they ought to have an extra spring in their step.

If you are interested in participating in Easter or Summer tournaments in 2018, click here and register your interest with Trans World Soccer.

1 What tournament will you be going to?

We are going to the Blackpool International Trophy during Easter weekend 2018.

2 What are you / the team most looking forward to for the trip?

Mostly we are looking forward to testing ourselves against quality opposition as we are a new team

3 What is something that people might not know about Stirling Albion?

Hillwood Thistle were formed out of a group of kids who weren’t getting games at their own club

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Wednesday, 28 February 2018 15:27

Celtic making advances in women's football

Written by Calum McCaffery

Women's football in Scotland has advanced so much in the last five years and that is through the efforts of clubs making real efforts to try and get more young girls out and playing the beautiful game.

Celtic FC is one of those clubs and I managed to catch up with the club's new Girls Academy Operations Manager, Edward Gallagher, Edward talked to me about his position and role at the club.

"My job means that I oversee the management and delivery of the Girls Academy curriculum for our under 11s through to under 19s and manage the playing and coaching operations for the academy. I report to our Head of Women’s Football who oversees the whole Girls and Women’s department at Celtic.

"I joined Celtic FC in December 2016 having coached within the women’s game in the USA, Finland and Scotland. I originally joined Celtic as the Head Coach of their Senior Academy team who competed in the SWFL1 and finished our first season as league runners up and also runners up in the SWFL League Cup. I moved into my new role at the beginning of this year."

Gallagher then proceeded to tell me more about what exactly Celtic are doing to advance the women's game in the country.

"The club put in a lot of support for both the girls academy and women’s first team. We currently run academy teams at 11s, 12s, 13s, 15s, 19s and Senior Academy Team, which all feed into our Scottish Women’s Premier League side. The players receive high level coaching, have access to top level facilities and have physio support on offer every night of the week."

The Glasgow side have shown great interest in ensuring that young girls in the game can make serious improvements to their game and look to make a career out of their passion for the sport. Part of these improvements come in the form of more coaches running sessions for the academy.

"We have made a conscious effort to try and recruit some of the best coaches within girls football in Scotland. We’ve recruited coaches who come to our academy players with SWPL experience and boys pro youth academy experience. We have increased the amount of UEFA B and Scottish FA Advanced Children’s Licence holders within the academy and also have a further 3 coaches undertaking their UEFA B Licences starting this month. Increasing the quantity and quality of our coaching staff will result in a better learning experience for the players and increase the amount of individualised feedback available."

The club has even started special classes for young girls born between 2007-2011, classes which will be open to all girls whether they are attached to another club or not.

It is Gallagher's hope that these classes, "give young players a strong coaching foundation which isn’t always accessible to young players."

"The classes will be packed with Celtic games and activities. Some girls will come from boys football, so will have the chance to meet new friends and likeminded players. Secondly, the girls will get a great foundation in football and be taught a range of skills which will help set them on their way within their young footballing careers. The players will be able to pick up key skills which they can take away and use at their teams, whilst they will also get a flavour of what is done within our Girls Academy, should any players wish to move forward and join the Celtic FC Girls Academy squads."

The classes take place every Friday evening. Details of the classes are available below:

Glasgow Green
3G Astro
28 King's Dr, Glasgow G40 1HB

Registration: 5.45pm
6.00pm – 7.00pm – Ball Mastery & Celtic Turns
7.05pm – 8.00pm – Celtic Games
Cost: £4 per session (6-8pm). Please pay on the night and have correct change if possible.

If players could bring the following:
Active Clothing of their choice

Jacket/Water Proof

Hat/Gloves (If weather appropriate)
Football boots/trainers that are suitable for the astro
Shinguards
Water

Anyone wishing to register can email Edward Gallagher on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Thursday, 18 January 2018 11:37

Ryan Renwick signs pro youth contract with Kilmarnock FC

Written by Calum McCaffery

(Photo credit: North Motherwell Boys Club 2003's Facebook page)

It was a proud day on Tuesday for North Motherwell BC goalkeeper Ryan Renwick as he signed a professional youth contract at Kilmarnock FC.

The 'keeper has been at North Motherwell for two years and impressed the Kilmarnock youth academy enough to earn a contract.

His former club sent Renwick their best wishes on their Facebook page, saying, "All at NMBC absolutely delighted for you wee man and we will continue to support you always.

"You deserve this so much, an absolute talent who has what it takes to go all way.

"The best we’ve seen across the grid and it’s been a pleasure working with you and we look forward to watching you on our TV screens soon."

Ryan has appeared on YFS channels before and you can view our interview with him after North Motherwell's victory over Drumsagard in the Scottish Cup fourth round back in November below.

Congratulations to Ryan and we are eager to see your progress at Kilmarnock.

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Tuesday, 09 January 2018 13:46

St. Mirren sign Luke Jackson from West End Thistle FC

Written by Calum McCaffery

(Photo Credit: West End Thistle FC)

It was a great day for Luke Jackson of West End Thistle FC as he signed his first professional contract at St. Mirren FC

Jackson joined St. Mirren on a trial basis last summer as a result of his impressive performances at the Dana Cup in Denmark and following that trial period has been signed to a professional contract at the Paisley side.

Jackson has been at West End Thistle FC since the beginning of the club, so much so that he was the one that came up with the teams name.

Thistle have released a statement saying, "Luke is a promising young footballer, he is strong, powerful and has great work ethic.

"He has a mixture of close control and footwork, he is a very intelligent player, his power and vision certainly bodes well. Luke proved he had talent through his trial with St Mirren and he has all the qualities to play a big part within the St Mirren squad and hopefully have a bright future ahead of him within the pro youth set up.

"Luke was the clubs first ever player when Thistle was founded in 2014, he is a credit to his mum Shona Crawford and his grandad John Crawford.

"It’s great news for the club to have one of our players take then next step and shows that this club are developing talent,everyone at West End Thistle wishes Luke all the best for the future."

The development of another who came through the St. Mirren Academy, Lewis Morgan, will surely be a great motivator for Luke and it certainly shows what is possible at a club like St. Mirren.

Good luck to Luke from everyone here at Youth Football Scotland.

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Wednesday, 03 January 2018 12:00

St. Peters FC goalkeeper signs for Greenock Morton

Written by Calum McCaffery

It was a proud day for young goalkeeper Paul McMillan as he signed a youth contract with Greenock Morton.

McMillan has been turning out for St. Peters FC but has now signed a deal with the Renfrewshire side in the hope of developing into a fine goalkeeper in the future.

St. Peters posted on their Facebook page in response to the news saying, "Congratulations to Goalkeeper Paul McMillan who signed with Morton during the week.

"Paul will be missed by all at our 2005's but they and all at St Peter's FC wish him all the best for the future.

"A great achievement and exciting time ahead."

It will certainly be a huge step up for McMillan. His St. Peters side currently sit ninth in the third division of the Paisley Johnstone and District Youth Football League 2005 league. This is surely a sign that even in the lower leagues of the grassroots game there is plenty of talent waiting for an opportunity.

Congratulations Paul and all of us here at Youth Football Scotland wish you the very best at Greenock Morton

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Friday, 22 December 2017 14:44

Harmony Row look forward to a mid-season trip to Barcelona with Trans World Soccer

Written by Kieran Morrison

#WhatsYourStory

In this latest edition of #WhatsYourStory, we take a look at Harmony Row, who are heading out to the Barcelona Easter tournament with Trans World Soccer.

Youth Football Scotland caught up with coach Keith Gibson, who told us a little more about what the team are looking forward to in their trip to Barcelona this Easter.

The boys are ‘looking forward to getting away together as a team’, and of course are excited for the warm weather. The team will be heading out to Barcelona mid-way through their season, so will be hoping for a positive result at the tournament to bring home to Glasgow.

Harmony Row, who recently celebrated their centenary in 2015, are actually the boyhood club of Manchester United and Aberdeen legend Sir Alex Ferguson – who is the Honorary President of Harmony Row.

The team will be hoping that they are at least half as successful as he was when they travel to Barcelona!

If you are interested in participating in Easter or Summer tournaments in 2018, click here and register your interest with Trans World Soccer.

1. What tournament will you be going to?

Mare Nostrum Barcelona Easter Tournament

2. What are you / the team most looking forward to for the trip?

We are looking forward to getting the boys away together as a team for a few days in the warm weather before the run in to the end of the season

3. What is something that people might not know about Harmony Row?

Our Honorary President is Sir Alex Ferguson who played with Harmony Row in Govan as a youth player. The team has also just celebrated its centenary year in 2015.

#WHATSYOURSTORY is a campaign to learn more about the teams participating in Trans World Soccer tournaments throughout 2018. If you, or anyone you know is participating in one of these events please get in touch with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and tell us your story. Alternatively, click here to learn more about the upcoming tournaments in 2018.

Fancy heading to Barcelona this summer? Take advantage of the Trans World Soccer Winter Sale and grab 15% OFF bookings to the Barcelona Summer tournament. Click here to learn more.

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Thursday, 21 December 2017 11:39

Joga Futsal Academy to represent Scotland at Squadra Cup

Written by Calum McCaffery

The Joga Futsal Academy in Glasgow will represent Scotland at the Squadra Cup at the beginning of next year.

The Squadra Cup is a tournament set up by respected Belgian futsal club Squadra Mouscron and involves some of the biggest futsal clubs from across Europe, covering age groups from U9s to U17s.

Joga Futsal will be competing at the U13 level and have been drawn in a tough group against Sporting Paris, Old Fox Fribourg and the hosts Squadra Mouscron.

The tournament will run from 4th – 7th January and will take place at the Kipstadium in Tourcoing, France.

Joga Futsal founder and head coach David Galt is relishing the prospect of facing off against some of the top teams in Europe, “Squadra Mouscron is a very prestigious and respected futsal club across Europe so to be involved in such a competition is a massive privilege for us all at Joga Futsal Academy.

“We have been for a number of months keen to challenge our futsal teams to new levels out-with Scotland and have been in regular communication with futsal academies across Europe for a number of months.

“We then were introduced to Giuseppe of Squadra Mouscron and despite his English not being too good and my French likewise, thankfully we had Google translate and he has been of great assistance in welcoming Joga Futsal Academy to be part of the Squadra Cup and already began talks of looking to bring them to Glasgow.”

Joga Futsal Academy has been running out of Glasgow for the last two years and have been regularly playing matches across Scotland and, towards the end of the year, more teams from south of the border.

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Friday, 15 December 2017 10:13

PROFILE: Cameron Clark, the Livingston youngster making a name for himself at junior level

Written by Calum McCaffery

(credit for above photo - Renfrew FC)

Junior football can be an extremely difficult level to play the game at but it doesn't seem to have fazed 17-year-old Cameron Clark one bit. The young defender, on loan at Renfrew FC from Livingston has been putting in some impressive performances as of late, performances that haven't gone unnoticed.

Clark has just recently been called up to the Scottish Schools Football Association under 18 squad, who begin their season with a tie on the 22nd December against Alloa before competing in the Centenary Shield.

I caught up with Cameron to talk about his journey to Renfrew FC, who are coached by his father Colin, and his recent call-up.

Calum McCaffery: "Let's start from the beginning. How did you first get into football?"

Cameron Clark: "Just always been kicking a ball since I could stand up to be honest, but my biggest influence is my dad. He really drummed football football football into me since I was young. I started off at west park boys club at about 7 or 8 years old.

CM: "You obviously worked your way up and then eventually got picked up by Livingston. When did they make contact with you and how did it feel to sign with them?"

CC: "Yeah was at numerous clubs and didn’t quite make the grade. Motherwell to start off with until I was 12 , Patrick thistle till 14, Morton until I was at u17s then Livingston picked me up at the start of the season. They’ve shown a lot of believe in me and I’m really enjoying it there right now."

CM: "Now that you're on loan at Renfrew what's it like playing there? I also heard that your dad is the manager at Renfrew, what is it like playing with him as your coach?"

CC: "Yeah, Renfrew is great, it’s a great experience playing against men and it’s really developed my game as a footballer. The boys have really helped me as well. My dad has always been my biggest critic and now that I’m one of his own players that has just been enhanced. He treats me like he would any other player at the club, hard but fair, but I’ve really enjoyed working under him and it makes for great banter around the dressing room."

CM: "Congratulations on being called up to the SSFA U18 squad! How does it feel to have been selected?"

CC: "Obviously it’s a great achievement and it still hasn’t quite sunk in yet, it’s something that no one can ever take away from me to say I have pulled on a Scotland strip at school boy level. But now that I know I’m part of the squad, i’m concentrating on cementing my place in the starting 11 in next weeks game against Alloa u20s.

CM: "And finally, where do you see yourself as a footballer in five years time?"

CC: "Hopefully to be playing football professionally at a decent level. Maybe somewhere down south fighting my way up the leagues. But no matter what happens in football over the course of my young professional years, i’ll continue to work hard and believe in my ability and I’ll make it happen somewhere."

Cameron has certainly made a good start in achieving those goals and I wouldn't be surprised if we saw him playing at higher level sometime in the future. Cameron Clark is certainly a player to keep an eye out for.

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Thursday, 14 December 2017 11:20

North Kelvin Sports in search for academy coaches for new after school project

Written by Calum McCaffery

Glasgow based charity North Kelvin Sports are seeking four academy coaches to help with the launch of their new after school project.

The group formerly known as the North Glasgow Football Development Group is launching their new after school project in response to the lack of after school football in the north-west part of the city.

The project will be run for free by the academy coaches every day after school from 3pm - 5pm and will include daily football and multi-sport coaching. It will aslo include sessions aimed at improving skill mastery, physical literacy and technical training as well as a focus on promoting health and well being.

The project will be run out of six schools split into three partnerships of two with the aim of reaching all areas of the north-west of Glasgow. These partnerships are High Park Primary and St. Cuthberts Primary, St. Charles Primary and Dunard Primary, and Park View Primary and St. Mary's Primary.

The coaches will have to meet the following requirements if they are interested in the position:

HND in relevant sports field (working towards)

Relevant sports coaching qualifications

Sports First Aid qualification

Experience of delivering educational workshops

Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills

Enhanced PVG clearance

All applications must include a CV and a covering letter and should be sent to North Kelvin Sports Academy Coordinator Barry Rodgers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The deadline for all applications is 5pm on 5th January.

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Tuesday, 28 November 2017 10:46

Championship comes to Kilwinning SC

Written by Calum McCaffery

In a tightly-contested Fiona Brown U15’s League, it was Kilwinning SC who emerged as champions, clinching the league on the final game of the season to not only secure the title, but to complete the season undefeated, with a record of nine wins and two draws.

The youngsters started the season in style, with two deserved 3-0 wins away to Stenhousemuir and Pollock United respectively, and an incredible 9-1 victory against Motherwell. These results set the tone for much of the season, the only blips being two draws against Glasgow City and Queen of the South. Everything came down to the last game of the season against second-placed Cumbernauld Colts. With the pressure on, the girls held their nerve, beating the Colts 1-0 and bringing home the trophy.

Youth Football Scotland caught up with Kilwinning SC Coach Mick Baird for his thoughts on a successful season for his young side.

“It’s been a great season for the girls but it is nothing more than they deserve as their commitment throughout the year has been second to none. They are a great bunch of young ladies and an absolute pleasure to coach. Everyone involved in our team is immensely proud of the girls and what they have achieved this year and we are already looking forward to next season.”

When asked about his memorable moments from the season he replied, “There have been several but the two that stand out the most was the final league game against Cumbernauld and the League Cup Final against Kilmarnock at Lesser Hampden. Both very high pressured games and not much to separate the teams on the day but the girls dug deep and secured the wins to lift the League Cup against Kilmarnock and then the league title against Cumbernauld.

“As the season drew to a close we knew there was very little separating ourselves and Cumbernauld and every game was difficult in its own way. An away tie to Rutherglen with only three games to go was a tough one. We knew a win would take us top of the league but Rutherglen were a well organised and strong team and it was deep in the second half before we opened the scoring with a penalty.”

With the pressure on it can be difficult to keep teams focused, but Mick Baird says that keeping his team focused was no problem at all. “The girls have played together for a long time and are all good friends away from training and games, there was no need for us as coaches to keep the girls focused as they ensured they kept their close bound throughout the season and played for each other throughout the year.”

And on his aims for the next season he said, “To build on the success of this season as we look to make the difficult step up from U15s to U17s.”

Congratulations to Kilwinning SC and good luck for the next season.

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Thursday, 23 November 2017 15:08

Memories to last a lifetime – Barrhead coach excited to face the best teams in Europe

Written by Kieran Morrison

#WHATSYOURSTORY

Barrhead YFC Reds will be travelling to Barcelona this Easter with Trans World Soccer to participate in the Barcelona Easter tournament, and their coach has been discussing their excitement around the trip with Youth Football Scotland.

The 2003s Barrhead side are currently unbeaten domestically this season, and have won 4 major honours in their last two seasons. The Barrhead coach Paul Brogan is keen to emulate that success out in Barcelona against ‘the highest level teams from other countries’.

This is a tight-nit team with players who have been playing together since they were 6 years old, and that loyalty extends to the coaches who have been there for the same amount of time. Surely this deep understanding of one another will help them to succeed in Barcelona this Easter.

If you are interested in participating in Easter or Summer tournaments in 2018, click here and register your interest with Trans World Soccer.

1. What tournament will you be going to?

We are going to the Barcelona Easter Tournament next year in March/April 2018.

2. What are you / the team most looking forward to for the trip?

I am looking forward to the team making memories that will last with them a lifetime. The opportunity to go to Spain with their team mates, make new friends and experience playing football at the highest level against teams from other countries. The memories they will make will stay with them a lifetime.

3. What is something that people might not know about Barrhead YFC Reds?

Barrhead YFC reds 2003’s are playing football at the under 15’s level. They have been playing 11’s for 3 seasons now. Our first season we won the 1st Division (highest league in the West Region) and won the League Cup. In our second season we have won the West Region Cup and the Scottish Cup. We have won all 4 Major honours we can within our first two seasons. This season we are still unbeaten and looking good for another great season.

The core coaching staff have been with this group of players since they were 6 years old and there is still a core of 5 players that have been with the team since they were 6, that’s 8 years. We do not poach players we coach players to develop them.

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