Thurso-based football coaching venture gets off to a flying start
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A Thurso-based football coaching club has "got off to a flyer" with an event involving Ross County and a visit by former internationalist Marvin Andrews.
AG Coaching is a new venture by Alyn Gunn, who has won plaudits from many in the football community in Scotland and beyond for his work as head of coaching at Thurso Football Academy.
"I have started up this club as another avenue to put more football events on for the youngsters in the area," Alyn explained.
He ran weekly under-five football sessions throughout October and November and these proved to be very popular. Leaders from High Life Highland and Richie Campbell, Thurso Football Academy's development officer, provided support where required.
Seventy-five youngsters attended the Ross County event in Thurso.
Marvin, who played for Rangers, Raith Rovers and Livingston among other clubs and earned 101 caps for Trinidad and Tobago, came up for the final session with the under-five age group.
He also accompanied Alyn on a tour of five local schools. Marvin spoke about his football career, signed autographs and posed for photos, while the children also had an opportunity to ask him questions.
The final AG Coaching sessions of the year take place at Naver pitch this weekend. It has again sold out with a waiting list in place.
The first event of 2024 will see ex-Aberdeen players Billy Dodds, Brian Irvine and Duncan Shearer paying a visit in February to coach youngsters and there will also be a question-and-answer event in the Holborn Hotel.
Alyn said: " I am delighted that AG Coaching has got off to a flyer and it was a pleasure having Ross County up for the first event.
"That was the first time we had worked together and we have now established a collaboration which will stand the youngsters in the area in good stead going forward.
"It was also a pleasure to have Marvin Andrews up. Marvin was delighted to go along to schools to meet the children and talk football – he is a fantastic character and everyone enjoyed their time with him."
Ross County chief executive Steven Ferguson said: "It's great to see this collaboration happen. Alyn does so much to provide football for all in and around Thurso."
