PICTURES: Manchester United academy coaches bring Premier League Experience to Thurso
Coaches from the Manchester United academy praised local youngsters for being enthusiastic and well-mannered during two days of football training in Thurso.
Neil Scott and Gabe Mellor travelled north for the Premier League Experience hosted by AG Coaching at the Dammies, with a full house of 90 children taking part across three age groups – two to four, five to nine and 10-16.
Players of the day on the first day of coaching were Anna O’Kane, Ethan Gulloch and Jackson Lunn. Players of the day on day two were Cooper Cameron, Owen Munro and Cameron Mackay.
Neil said: “We had an amazing time coaching the children of Thurso and surrounding areas.
“Having coached at similar events over a number years, the enthusiasm for football and also how well-mannered and friendly the children were made it one of the best camps I’ve coached on.”
Alyn Gunn, who launched AG Coaching last year, said: “It was some coup for us to be able to get coaches up from arguably the best youth academy in the world.
“Neil and Gabe have coached players like Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Greenwood among others who have gone on to become England international players, so that’s the quality of coaches we are talking about.
“I think it’s fair to say that the youngsters were coached to a very high level over the weekend and this Premier League Experience has been very worthwhile.”
Alyn added: “We can’t put these events on without the sponsors, so big thanks to the Dounreay Communities Fund, North Coast Plumbing and the Park Hotel, and additionally to all the parents who continue to support what we are trying to do for the community.
“We go again next month with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.”
Neil and Gabe each received a commemorative glass from AG Coaching made by Derek Polson of Halkirk (Laser Gifts 4U). The visiting coaches presented Alyn with a Manchester United training polo shirt.
Last month, AG Coaching welcomed the Rangers Soccer Academy for two days of coaching with 85 children, divided into the same three age groups.
