Golden generation on way for Scorries
THE future is bright at Wick Academy according to the club’s under-17 manager, who believes they are producing a golden generation of youngsters.
James Robertson’s squad are well placed to clinch the SHFL under-17 North division, having won all six games they have played this season.
They sit second, a point behind leaders Clachnacuddin with two games in hand, and the young Scorries have already beaten the defending champions 3-2 in Inverness.
Academy are well placed to land the title for the first time in their history, but Robertson is not getting carried away.
However, he believes he is in charge of the best group of youngsters to come through the Academy ranks in years.
“This is as good a squad as we have had in a while,” he said.
“There’s a lot of good work going on in the background, thanks to Caithness United and Academy’s youth development officer Ross Suttar, that has led to the players being coached better than ever.
“The standard of players being produced in the county is quite high and if you look at the younger age groups, there are some cracking players already looking to make the step up to the under-17s.
“What has benefited us this year has been the number of our players who are on the fringes of playing for Halkirk United and Thurso FC, as well as in the county summer league.
“It would be great for Caithness football if we could win the league. We still have some good teams to play but we’ve got a great chance.”
Several of the teenagers have also been making an impression in the first team squad, with Ryan Campbell having made a number of appearances for Academy in Highland League games as a substitute.
Robertson said Campbell has merited a place with the first team and thinks there are other youngsters who can push into the senior ranks.
“Ryan is one of the best players to have come through our youth development set-up in a long time,” he said.
“We have a batch of 16 very good footballers, which has led to us doing well in the league.
“The first team management can’t be faulted after the success they have achieved winning the North of Scotland Cup and good performances in the league.
“But I would like to see maybe one or two others break through to the first team.”
Robertson said it is vital that Academy’s youth set-up produces players capable of going on to make their mark with the senior side, as the likes of Brora Rangers, Formartine United and Turriff United have the financial clout to buy in the best players which other clubs can’t compete with.
He would like to see the introduction of an under-19s squad to take part in the North Caledonian League or reserve league, but is conscious of the financial implications that would involve. But he is sure the youth system at the club will benefit the senior side in the seasons ahead.
“I would love to see an under-19s team playing competitive football, but that would require a lot of financial investment and you would need to find coaches.
“The chairman is doing a lot of good work and trying to make things right off the park.
“Having a new youth side would add thousands of pounds to the cost, but I think it would help us.
“We’re not a big-spending club that can buy players so we have to rear our own.
“There are some great players in the county and I think the future is bright for the club.”