Former Ranger and Celt to pass on skills to Thurso's young football stars
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Former Rangers and Celtic players Charlie Miller and Simon Donnelly will be in Thurso this summer to pass on their football skills to tomorrow's stars of the future.
The duo, who were both capped by Scotland, both run separate football schools themselves and have teamed up to help set up the event, for kids aged five to 15, which will take place at Mount Pleasant Primary School on August 14 and 15 from 1pm to 4pm.
Miller runs the Charlie Miller Football Academy while Donnelly administers the SD13 Sports school. They have also teamed up with event organiser Alyn Gunn and Thurso Football Academy.
The two former Glasgow derby rivals, whose schools operate from the Toryglen Football Centre near Hampden Park, have produced a number of players who have entered youth level sides within the SPFL.
Miller, who played 81 times for Rangers and 118 times for Dundee United, said: "Simon and I are looking forward to going to Thurso for a few days' coaching which I'm sure will be great.
"I've been up a few times and I know how enthusiastic and well behaved the kids are. They are very keen to learn, which is the most important thing."
Event organiser Alyn Gunn added: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the children in Caithness. We have had Charlie up a few times over the years, latterly for his book launch, so he knows the area and children well.
"It's also great to have Simon on board as well. To have two former professional footballers coming up this far north is one thing. But to have one from Rangers and another from Celtic coming up here is massive – especially when you consider what the guys have won and achieved in their careers.
"I'd like to put on record my thanks to the sponsors, Robbie Fraser and Scott Youngson, and parents of the children who have booked the places up as without them this event would not happen.
"I would also like to thank Richie Campbell of Thurso Football Academy, Derek Shearer of East End FC and Paul Reid of Thurso United FC for their continued help and support with this event."
