Two children's football clubs in Badenoch and Strathspey have joint goals
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More than 30 youngsters showed off their skills at a special joint training session between two junior Strathspey football clubs.
The joint training session at Cromdale Park marks the start of a new relationship between Strathspey Rovers and Strathspey Girls.
They have agreed to collaborate where possible for the benefit of all the young players. Sharing costs associated with training courses such as first aid, as well as regular joint coaching nights and friendly matches, are just some of the initiatives planned.
Craig Dishington, head coach at Strathspey Girls, said: “We were delighted to be able to join Strathspey Rovers for a joint training session. It’s hugely beneficial for all the players and coaches alike.
“By working together on a regular basis we can share best practice and
keep things fun and interesting for our young footballers.”
Strathspey Girls are set to compete in an under-13s league, playing seven-a-side football, when their season resumes.
Dishington is keen to get younger girls and boys in the strath involved in football by setting up a soccer school aimed at primary one to primary four pupils.
Strathspey Rovers provides regular training and match play for children with training taking place in Cromdale in the summer and in Aviemore during the winter.
Currently Strathspey Rovers turns out an under-13 squad predominately made up of P7 and S1 pupils and an under-15 (S2–S3).
However, football league bosses have decided that these age groups should change to under-14 and under-16 respectively, giving Strathspey Rovers the opportunity to introduce a third team – under-12s, who will play nine-a-side football in the Moray Youth League in weekly round-robin type events.
Mark Wharton, Strathspey Rovers head coach, said: “We’re going into the new season in August with an under-12, under-14 and under-16 squad so it’s great to be working with Craig, as we very much need another club locally that is catering for that much younger age group, bringing them on, and then coming to us and moving up though the age categories here at Strathspey Rovers.
“Having a good extended football pathway is really important so that the children always have somewhere to go when they get too old for their current squad.”
For more on Strathspey Girls and football for P1-P4 pupils email strathygirlsfc@yahoo.com and for Strathspey Rovers FC check out their Facebook Page or call Mark Wharton on 07826 505275.
* Hopes of a Highland Youth League presence for the Spey Valley Club at under-18 level are in doubt.
“We have been conducting training sessions for a number of weeks in Grantown and Aviemore in order to raise awareness and promote the club,” said team coach Paul Phillips, “but sadly so far this hasn’t been successful.”
