Five Examples of Professionalism

Ayr United's Scottish Cup tie against Sunnybank may be remembered for the 5-0 thrashing handed out by the Ayrshire side over the Aberdeenshire juniors, but it was a pivotal day for the Ayr United Football Academy.

5 current and ex Academy players were in the squad of 16 picked by manager Brian Reid for this potential banana skin match, showing the trust he has in the Academy set up for developing aspiring young players.

While regular starter Jonathan Tiffoney was on from the beginning, Ross Robertson & Alistair Woodburn started from the bench. They were joined by the two current Academy players in the form of 16 year old midfielder Shaun Kelly, who has just signed a playing contract with the Ayr United senior squad and also striker from the 19s team, Dale Moore.

All except Dale Moore managed some pitch time in this match;Robertson & Woodburn entering the fray on 82 minutes with young star of the future Shaun Kelly getting the last five minutes. Moore, unfortunately suffered due to the 3 man substitution rule.

This shows the depth and strength that the Football Academy has as it marches on into the future.

The AUFA is the envy of many clubs as it's model is a one off in Scotland.


Having no financial restrictions placed on it by the senior AUFC has progressed the Academy no bounds and with the coaching and backroom staff at it's disposal, we will see more and more Academy players making the breakthrough in the coming weeks and months.

The future looks bright for all involved with Ayr United and who knows, maybe one day we will see a team full of ex Academy players; At this rate, it may be closer than we think.

written by Marc Roseblade