Kids praised for 'brilliant' attitude at coaching sessions with former Old Firm stars
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A hundred youngsters benefited from the footballing knowledge of two former Old Firm stars at a two-day coaching event in Thurso.
Simon Donnelly, formerly of Celtic, and ex-Rangers player Charlie Miller oversaw sessions for three age groups at the Naver all-weather pitch and the pair later praised the children for their "brilliant" attitude.
The event was run last week by Thurso Football Academy.
Simon and Charlie were joined by coaches Rab Wyatt and John McFaulds, Alyn Gunn (head of coaching for Thurso Football Academy), Richie Campbell (Thurso Football Academy club development officer) and Keira Gunn (High Life Highland young leader).
Sessions were held for the age groups 3-5, 6-9 and 10-15, with players of the camp in each section receiving a pair of Armour Flex shin guards.
Ally Smith and Fergus Mackay were chosen for the 3-5 group, while Jamie Campbell and Brodie Swanson were players of the camp for those aged 6-9. Kaitlyn Robb and Scott McDonald were selected in the 10-15s.
Simon Donnelly said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the couple of days in Thurso. The turnout was incredible and the kids were brilliant.
"They braved the elements at times and were all willing to learn. We hope to visit again sometime."
Charlie Miller said: "I had a great time once again in Thurso. I love coming up here as the kids are fantastic – they are unbelievably polite and take in everything that we say to them.
"A big thank-you goes to Alyn – we wouldn't be up here without his input – and also to Richie and Keira for their support and for looking after us. We will definitely be back."
Alyn Gunn said: "It was a great couple of days, with some fantastic skills on show throughout, and the youngsters took to the new training drills like a duck to water – which is probably an appropriate phrase to use, as the weather was not kind at all to us on Wednesday."
He added: "For us as an academy to be able to bring north two former Old Firm players is obviously a big thing. We had 100 youngsters attending this event, with a waiting list of another 32, so there is plenty of appetite for football within the county which is great to see.
"Thank you to everyone who sponsored, supported and attended this event – we really appreciate the support. Also thanks to Charlie, Simon, Rab and John for coming up the road to see us "
Event sponsors were Robbie Fraser, Blow Your Top Hairdressers, Davie Smith (Town and Country building supplies) and Eileen Manson. The event was also supported by Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd and High Life Highland.
