‘Fantastic’ first year for Thurso coaching venture with over 1000 children taking part
The first year of Thurso-based AG Coaching has gone “fantastically well”, with more than 1000 children taking part in events and sessions over the past 12 months.
AG Coaching was established by Alyn Gunn after he earned praise from many in the football community in Scotland and beyond for his work as head of coaching at Thurso Football Academy.
The latest coaching event was held with Ross County and some 75 children attended across three age groups: 2-4, 5-9 and 10-16.
It was sponsored by A&J Mackay Plumbing and Heating Ltd, Liam McLean Joinery, Eileen Manson, Robbie Fraser and the Park Hotel, with Nigel Mackenzie covering for Alyn.
“I would like to thank Nigel for stepping in for me for the most recent event with Ross County and additionally the event sponsors for continuing to back my ideas,” Alyn said. “It was a great event with the sun shining and kids having fun.
“The first year of AG Coaching has gone fantastically well from my point of view, with just over 1000 children participating in the events and sessions across the year. It has been great to have them along and it has given them a platform to show their skills to coaches of professional clubs.
“A number of children who have come along have had successful trials with Inverness and Ross County on the back of our events and that alone has been great for the area. Long may it continue, as I feel that over the past two or three years a lot of players have been selected for trials from Thurso and Wick so it shows that the standard of player and coaching is rising in the area.
“The Tiny Tacklers sessions I run alongside Richie Campbell are hugely popular and always sell out, so we must be doing something right!
“The backing received from Alex McLeish and John Robertson in particular has been fantastic and I drop messages with them every three or four days to talk football, which is an unbelievable sounding board for a guy from Thurso.
“I would like to thank all those who have sponsored the events, put their children along and supported what I have tried to do for the area.”
The next event will feature Aberdeen legends and will take place in February 2025.
In 2021, Alyn achieved a national accolade after producing a training booklet that helped thousands of youngsters across Europe to develop their skills during the pandemic. He was one of 25 coaches to be named as winners in the UK Coaching Hero Awards from nearly 500 public nominations.
The Tiny Tacklers booklet was designed by Alyn as part of a Keep Scotland Active scheme in response to Covid. It used superheroes and cartoon characters to capture the imagination of children and keep them engaged in training drills and football-themed games.
Initially it was intended for just 25 children, but more than 10,000 youngsters across Europe received free copies. He also supplied free footballs and water bottles.
At the end of 2020, Alyn was named as a Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering champion in an award scheme run by SportScotland and UK Coaching.
