Pitlochry High Pupil Signs for The Saints
Tom Sibbald, a member of the new Community Football Academy set up by the Highland Perthshire Sports Trust, was signed up by St Johnstone FC in the first week in September.
The Sports Trust, as part of its Football Academy programme, recently invited Atholl Henderson from St Johnstone to take one of its coaching sessions.
Tom, a second year pupil at Pitlochry High, at once caught Atholl’s eye.
His performances for Breadalbane Under 14 have been watched over a number of weeks and these resulted in him signing for the Saints.
According to Robin Yellowlees (Director and Assistant Coach at the Football Academy) “We are very pleased for Tom, although it has to be said that the hard work starts now. I think it illustrates the benefits of setting up an Academy in this area and I’ve no doubt - if they have ability and the right attitude - our connections to the Professional game will help talented youngsters make the step up to a higher level”.
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The Head Coach of the Academy is Gary Bollan. Gary has played the game at the highest level having played in the Champions League for Rangers and has had a distinguished football career playing at various other clubs such as Dundee United and St Johnstone. Gary is a UEFA B Licensed Coach and is currently involved with the Dundee United Under 13 Youth team.
“It’s great news about Tom and I think there are one or two others in our new Academy who have the potential to follow his example,” said Gary.
At present twenty players (aged 10 to 15) from all across the area – from different towns and schools - Aberfeldy, Dunkeld and Pitlochry, have been selected for a place at the Academy. They come together at different times during the week in small groups to work on their technical skills and their general tactical understanding of the game.
This kind of opportunity, while perhaps commonplace in the major cities in the UK, is undoubtedly a massive step forward for a rural community.
The funding of this football initiative has been made possible by the generous sponsorship of Barhall Ltd of Aberfeldy and Ptarmigan Sports Marketing, together with a sportsmatch award from sportscotland.
The Highland Perthshire Sports Trust is also supported by the Gannochy Trust.
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