Youngsters learn from ex-Scotland trio at Thurso coaching sessions
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Around 80 youngsters took part in coaching sessions in Thurso with ex-Scotland internationalists Colin Hendry, Jackie McNamara and Simon Donnelly.
It was a joint event run by Thurso Football Academy and AG Coaching, with leaders from High Life Highland also getting the opportunity to learn from the former players.
McNamara and Donnelly each played for Celtic, among other teams, while Hendry’s clubs included Blackburn Rovers and Rangers and he captained Scotland at the 1998 World Cup finals.
Children were divided into three age groups, 4-6, 7-10 and 11-16, at the Naver all-weather pitch.
Two from each group won a pair of shin guards from Armour Flex for being players of the day. They were Brodie Norburn and Callum Jones (4-6), Maisie Macadie and Rhys Sutherland (7-10) and Morgan Timbrell and Allan Pottinger (11-16).
There was also a question-and-answer evening at the Weigh Inn where the former professionals shared stories about their time with the Scotland squad as well as the various clubs they turned out for during their playing careers. Compere was Rab Mulheron.
Alyn Gunn, head of coaching at Thurso Football Academy, started AG Coaching last year.
“It was a pleasure to have Colin, Jackie and Simon in Thurso for the event,” Alyn said. “All three guys were great coaches.
“The youngsters all got something from the event and it’s not every day you get the opportunity to be taught by guys that have represented their country.
“We heard some great stories from them at the question-and-answer evening and the crowd seemed to enjoy it.
“Our next event is in a couple of weeks’ time when we welcome former Hearts stars John Robertson and Jose Quitongo to coach youngsters.”
The event was sponsored by Robbie Fraser, Dunnet Bay Distillers, Lipka’s Paint Hoose, Superclean of Thurso, S Elder Building Contractor, I D Swanson Joiner Contractor, D Steven and Son, Comm Bar (Thurso), Gary Youngson Wealth Management, Davie Smith (Town and Country Groundworks) and E’ Shed.
