GINGER FACE

2012-02-28T20:02:00.000-08:00

To see Scotland play at Somerset Park is something special and fairly rare. To see an Ayr United player do so in that match in recent history has been downright extinct.

by Marc Roseblade

Watching Mark Shankland run out onto the Somerset turf on Tuesday night for the Scotland under 17s friendly match against Serbia filled most watching Ayr United supporters with pride that that club, and more notably the Ayr United Football Academy, could finally be producing players of the quality required to play at an international level.

Scotland coach Ricky Sbragia thought so or he wouldn't have asked the youngster to be part of the squad in this International challenge match which pitted him alongside players from Liverpool, Rangers, Celtic, Dundee United and Falkirk to name a few.

The youngster was happy to bide his time on the bench for the first half;we all knew before hand that he would be allowed time to sparkle in the second half and when that time came, the largest roar of the night amongst the 600+ watching supporters bellowed out for their home team favourite.

The match started like a scene from the movie the Fast and the Furious, with all guns blazing, wheels spinning, smoke flaring.

The game swung from end to end in the early exchanges with both teams taking it in turn to pepper their opponents goal with shots. First up were Scotland but found little change from an early corner, instead finding out the hard way how fast the Serbian midfielders were on the break but fortunately the defence managed amicably top clear the danger.

Scotland's Denny Johnstone was first to guide an effort on target but in what was to be the par for the match, the keepers were to be more than a match for their striking counterparts for the majority of the 80 minute playing time.

Johnstone was to prove a thorn in the side of the Serbians all night and narrowly missed out on opening the scoring on 10 minutes with a stunning daisycutter to the near side post that Rajkovic in the visitors goal managed to guide past the post for a corner. Moments later though, Milan Spremo was to strike a simply tremendous curling shot past the diving Ryan Crump in the Scotland goal area.

The lead was perhaps against the run of play up to this point if chances on goals counted as possession, but the Serbs were comfortable playing with the ball at their feet or chasing the ball down from the Scots players.

It was hectic throughout the field, with both teams players finding very little time on the ball to make any headway for their side but it was the Scots who were creating the chances in front of goal and it seemed it would only be a matter of time before an equalizer would be scored.

Cameron Smith, Craig Sibbald and Darren Petrie all saw their efforts fail to bulge the net but it was Celtic attacker Johnstone who managed the breakthough for the home side when Aberdeen's Cameron Smith fed him though into a one-on-one situation with the keeper, before composing himself in front of goal, and whilst under pressure from an out rushing keeper, slotted home from 10 yards into the bottom left hand corner of the net to make the score 1-1.

Scotland were boosted by this goal and continued to push for a leading goal before the half time break was upon them and despite shots hitting the target area from Lewis Kidd and Johnstone, the players left the field at the break with the scores all even.

It would take a monumental effort from the players to match the high tempo of play that had been exhibited in the first and as expected the substitutions that were to litter the second period of play would dampen the speed and style of play that made the first so exciting.

Despite this, Serbia bolted from the blocks and were more dominant in this 40 minutes that their home team hosts and early in the half Scotland found themselves lucky to not be another goal down but for a selfless piece of defending that the Scotland player yellow carded for what could be described as taking one for the team when the Serbians were breaking free and outnumbered the defensive backline 4 to 2.

Although being the more dominant of the two sides in the opening exchanges, Serbia were failing to make their possession pay dividends and nearly paid the penalty when Scotland defender found himself up field and in space but unfortunately saw his shot fly high and wide.

With 25 minutes remaining on the clock, the moment arrived that most of the supporters had been waiting for, the moment that saw Ayr United starlet Mark Shankland take to the field for the first time in a Scotland shirt.

The roar was deafening in the stand where the crowd had been herded together, louder than the earlier goal which must have bemused the visiting players but the youngster took it all in his stride and sprinted on to the field like a true pro.

Shankland had been one of seven substitutions made by the Scotland coach so the continuity of the match was obviously altered from the earlier pace set by the opening squad. Serbia also made five substitutions during the match which swayed the balance of the game slightly onto a slower, less frantic style but this didn't stop Shankland from harrying his opponents defence, trying to pick up the pace, steal the ball and hopefully score.

He managed the first two but unfortunately never managed the goal but his ingenuity and willingness to break down the defence, press the goalie must not have gone unseen by the watching Scotland coaching staff.

Serbia went close to scoring the winning goal near the end when a superbly whipped in ball to the box was met by the head of Milan Jokic but fortunately for the Scottish team, the Partizan player couldn't direct the effort goalward and it drifted over the bar.

With minutes remaining, Scotland continued to look for the winner with Fraser Aird aiming a couple of efforts toward goal and Mark Shankland nearly latched onto a perfectly weighted ball into the box but the goalkeeper was alert and beat the striker to the ball to thwart him from a debut strike.

After the final whistle shrilled, most watching the match would agree the result was a fair one for both teams involved.

Afterwards Scotland coach commented by saying:"They were a very good team, we knew that before hand and they scored a great goal, but we fought back and Denny scored a good goal to get us back into it."
"The players application is brilliant at training and I really hope we qualify for the Euros."

Talking about Mark Shankland's participation in the squad he said:"I know the position I played in him today isn't his preferred position but there's only so much I can fiddle around with the team. I've seen him a couple of times and although it's a big step up it's up to him how much more he wants. He done well at the camp and this gives him a taste of the international setup."

Mark Shankland also spoke afterwards stating:"It was great, especially running out in front of the crowd at Somerset. I was nervous to begin with but knew that I would get on at some time as Ricky had told us all before hand we would get playing time.."
"I hope I get some more time in the closed door match on Thursday and try to cement a place in the squad for the upcoming Euro Championships Elite Group next month. Serbia are similar in style to Denmark who are in the group next month so this was a good test for the team and gave me a taste of what I can achieve."

The team will now play Serbia again in a closed door match on Thursday before the Euro Championship Elite Group marches into town in March.

Somerset Park will again be the venue on March 20th where Scotland will host Lithuania before Denmark and Lithuania battle it out on Thursday 22nd. Scotland play Iceland the same evening but the venue for that match will be Strathclyde Home Stadium in Dumbarton. Scotland's final group match will take place on Sunday 25th against Denmark at Cappielow, whilst the Strathclyde Homes Stadium hosts the final game of the group between Lithuania and Iceland.

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2012-01-10T18:01:00.000-08:00

2012-01-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

Never mind your Barca v Real, forget about Man United v Liverpool and you can keep your so called biggest derby in Scotland between Old Firm foes Rangers & Celtic!

This ones the only one that counts for real football fans throughout the country meaning it must be time for the biggest and best rivalry in world football to renew it's dues with Ayr United and Kilmarnock meeting in the Communities Cup Semi Final at the national stadium in Glasgow at the end of January.

As any Ayr United supporter will tell you, this match is a formality for the Bodog sponsored side and with incidents such as the 'Hand of God' goal from Bryan Prunty and Andy Walkers chipped penalty goal at Somerset Park back in the glorious 1990's, it's not a matter of who will win but what outrageous goal celebration will win the day for the Honest Men.

Will it be the Moff's on Fire dance, Wardlaw's moonwalk, Trouten's Tango or Robertson's Robot that will light up the Somerset Road fans? Remember Peter Crouch doing the Robot? Any Ayr fan worth their salt would love to see Robbo re-enacting that famous move by the big striker after scoring a 90th minute bullet train header that wins the game for our side!

With several recent SPL scalps already hanging in the managers office this season, big chief Sitting Reid will be hoping that this chance to claim another will lead to the holy grail of a spot in a major final for the first time since 2002 when we played arguably the best Rangers side ever put together.

Ironically, Ayr captain John Robertson played in that final so will be hoping for better luck but without Tore Andre Flo, Claudio Cannigia, Barry Ferguson or Fernando Ricksen to deal with, Robbo should have the Killie players fairly and squarely in his back pocket; If he had a back pocket in his shorts that is!

With Somerset Boab and around 15'000 other Honest Men and Bonnie Lassies regaled in their finest black and whites for the day, the watching public on TV will surely believe that their screens have turned back to the 70's with the monochrome nature of what's beaming through the tube at them.

The odds are against the first division side winning this tie, no, literally the odds are against Ayr United winning the trophy at all. Being rank outsiders at 20/1 (Bodog) suits Ayr. Ayr love being the rank outsiders. Ayr love beating SPL sides but Ayr especially love beating their Ayrshire neighbours to prove there's only one team in Ayrshire!

There's only one team in Ayrshire, one team in Ayrshire, there's only one team in Ayrshire!

2011-11-28T11:30:00.000-08:00

2011-11-28T10:06:00.001-08:00

2011-11-27T15:43:00.000-08:00

Great player news has emanated from the Pirate training camp this week as ex Cruz Azul youth player Taylor Lubianski, was persuaded by the silvery speech and Irish charm from Coach and owner, Brendan Keyes, to up sticks from his base in San Antonio and come join the Pirate ship as they continue to plot their NPSL course.

The 19 year old midfielder/forward has signed with immediate effect for the Galveston side and although still a teenager, he will add some well gained experience to the side as they continue fleet of foot through the HFA season, galloping toward April's kickoff time on the National stage.

While in Guadalajara, playing and training at Cruz Azul, Taylor played in La Liga Animales de Guadalajara. "Animales" is similar to the NPSL in that it is a semi-pro league designed to showcase upcoming players as well as those with previous professional experience.

In addition, Taylor also had the opportunity to play against teams from both the Primera (1st) and Tercera (3rd) Divisions of La Liga Mexicana. (Tijuana/Primera; La Mecca/Tercera; Cocula/Tercera; Zapotlanejo/Tercera)

Although playing with Cruz Azul, Taylor found that he couldn't progress any higher than the third level due to the Mexican ruling that a non Mexican national cannot rise to the top tier.

"Yes, I was aware of the ruling issue from the start. However, the benefits and value of training and playing at that level far outweighed the fact that advancement was not possible." Taylor told us.

Speaking about the reasons for choosing Mexico at the time he said:"I picked Mexico because I had played and trained in Mexico each summer since I was 13 and still a freshman in high school. My club trainer at the time was "Profe Memo", a former pro player from Mexico and going with him during the summer was the reason I chose Mexico."
"I felt comfortable with the style of play there and the initial language barrier wasn't an issue as I felt it was the natural next step in my development as a player."

Continuing on about his time in Mexico he spoke of playing:"I also played in another league that was similar to Animales/NPSL, it was called Liga de Castores. I trained and played for Cruz Azul as my first priority, but the schedule also allowed me to play in that Sunday league with both these leagues being designed like the NPSL where you have players with a variety of experience levels."

Born in Texas, Taylor had an impressive school and college pedigree, managing TASCO/UIL all area, all district and all region sides in three concurrent years and also the NSCAA/Adidas All region southwest team in 2009. During this time he scored 39 goals and had 26 assists to his name.

This is the type of scoring and assist record that drew Taylor to the Pirate attention in the first place.

"I knew that coach Keyes had a lot of experience and that it would be their first season in the NPSL. My short term goals are to do whatever is necessary to ensure that we have a successful first season in NPSL and build on that foundation for the following season. Long term is to continue advancement and ultimately play at the highest level possible." said Taylor.

"The biggest difference I have found so far is the reduced training schedule. I am used to training 12 - 16 hours a week in addition to games but I'll work out on my own, go to the gym and keep myself in peak physical fitness so I am ready for the HFA games and then the NPSL season."

Brendan Keyes spoke of the young lad saying:"Taylor is a great player, just what we need up front as we head towards the NPSL season."
"We have signed him so he can get to know the current crop of players and hopefully build a bond with them as we head towards the pointy end of the HFA season. We want to finish in a promotion spot and also gain entry into the State Cup;Taylor will help us do that, I have no doubt."

Like myself, the Irishman, gets a bit excited once he gets started and continued on:"The lad made a trip up from San Antonio for a team meeting last Thursday. We weren't training, there was no ball work, just a team talk so he could meet the other players. That shows commitment and professionalism and I admire that."

"It's just unfortunate for him that we have had a three week break in matches so he hasn't been able to perform on a competitive field yet but it gives us all time to gel as a team and prepare mentally and physically for the challenges ahead, one that I am sure Taylor will meet head on and excel in."

Finishing off, Keyes couldn't commend Taylor high enough saying:"He's a winner, always has been. He sees what he wants and goes for it. Not many 13 year olds would have the audacity to keep going to Mexico in the hunt for professional soccer. He did and he found his dream. This move to us is a stepping stone for Taylor, I know that and I am under no illusions that this boy will make the step up to at least NASL level in the next year or so and from what I have seen, he can go further."

No pressure then!

Taylor would also like to thanks the people that got him this far in his career to date saying:"Without Profe. Guillermo " Memo" Espinosa and Cruz Azul Occidente Centro de Formacion for their involvement and direction in my development as a player I would not be at this point. I would like to also thank Coach Keyes for his willingness to be a part of my continued growth and development and to my family for their commitment and belief in my success.

Sounds like a lot of people over a long period of years have put time, effort and commitment into making sure this young soccer starlet could achieve his dreams. The Pirates are just the latest in that story, one that will gain benefits for both parties involved and have a fairytale ending.

We look forward to seeing Taylor in action and showing the watching public what he's made of!

2011-11-22T20:32:00.001-08:00

2011-11-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

Gerardo Romero Joins Pirates as Goalkeeping Coach

2011-11-12T13:17:00.000-08:00

Galveston Pirates have once again made a enormous step in progressing the step toward NPSL soccer with the news that they have brought Gerardo Romero on board as goalkeeping coach for the upcoming 2012 season.

Gerardo brings with him an immense amount of experience between the sticks and joins an already huge bank of soccer experience in current coaches Brendan Keyes and Noel Mulhall.

This move by owner and head coach Keyes strengthens the backroom staff to a professional level that has thus far been unseen at the Galveston soccer side, and shows the strides the side is taking in preparation for the move up to the 4th tier soccer in the country.

Romero has a vast goalkeeping pedigree with professional spells in the Mexican Division 1a and has been trained by ex Mexican National team members Jesus Alfaro and Adrian Chavez so lacks no degree of skill or enthusiasm.

Gerardo himself said of the appointment:"First of all I would like to thank Brendan Keyes and the Pirate SC for giving me the opportunity to be part of the club. I will bring in all my past experience both on and off the field to help give the club positive results as the goalkeeper trainer."

Pirate owner and head coach also spoke on the appointment,"I have known Gerardo since our time in the SPSL together where he owned the Lone strikers side and I am really excited about having him on board. This propels us into the stratosphere in terms of coaching staff at this club, the players will really see a massive improvement in all areas of the field with this new addition. From back to front this will make us a better team unit."

There is a real opportunity here for the Pirates to move forward with skill and performance levels and with the NPSL season only 5 or 6 months away, it gives Gerardo plenty of time to assess the current keepers available to him which enables him to train and coach them to the level required for NPSL soccer.

Shinde:Slumdog Silky Soccer Star from Mumbai Heading Home

2011-11-09T18:01:00.000-08:00

Galveston Pirate Soccer Club announced today that their young Indian player Pratik Shinde will be relea sed from the team effective immediately.

The 16 year old has given his reason for leaving as being home sick with the young man missing his family and friends that still reside in his native Mumbai, India, some 9000 miles away.

Pratik said today:"I would like to thank Coach Keyes and his family for everything they have done for me. He is like a father to me and I can't thank him enough for this great opportunity."
"I do feel like I let him down somewhat but he understands how I feel and there is no problem between us. I would also like to thank the Pirate players and fans for supporting me while I was here." he said.

Speaking of his time in Texas he said:"I have learned a lot going to school at Clear Brook and would like to thank the teachers and staff for their welcome and help whilst there. I have made a lot of new friends and now have memories for life."

"I am happy overall with what I have done and achieved, not everyone gets to go and play the game they love in America but I am looking forward to going home but will never forget the experience that Coach Keyes has given me here." said the youngster.

Brendan Keyes also spoke of Pratiks time here saying:"Pratik will always be welcome in my family, we love him and he is a part of us now. I have known Pratik now for over a year but it feels like much longer."
"I am very sad to see him go and did try talking him into staying but he has made his mind up and his reason is totally understandable considering he is only 16. I was a foreigner in this country once and I know how he feels, I have been here for 20 years and I still feel homesick sometimes." he added.

Talking about Pratik's reception back home he said:"I hope people understand and welcome him back with open arms in his country, it was a huge move for him and perhaps he was maybe just too young to make not just a move to a different country but a whole new continent and culture."

Talking of soccer, Keyes said:"Pratik's record with the Pirate's has been very good with two goals from four games which is not bad for a young lad from Mumbai whose style of soccer was different to the more physical style that is sometimes employed by our opponents here."

The Galveston Pirate Soccer Club organisation would like to wish Pratik Shinde all the very best on his journey home come the weekend with Coach Keyes saying that he will visit Pratik and his family next year in Mumbai to set up a soccer camp for the kids in the area.

Pratik will continue to work for the Pirate's as Indian international liaison and public relations so all is not lost for the young man.

We should give him credit for following his dreams all the way from the slums of Mumbai to Friendswood TX and this is a great story and example of to others of what you hope to achieve if you follow your dreams.

Coach Keyes finished off by saying:"He is a remarkable young man and a great example to all young soccer players out in the world to never give up on the dream."

Pratik also wanted to add:"I will bring back my experiences to all the local players and hope to train young Indian players to be better. I did a week long coaching course whilst in America with Mar-key Sports Management last month so I will bring all of that knowledge back with me and hope to help improve others soccer abilities."

No one could deny that the young player made a huge move coming to America and of all the reasons for leaving, homesickness would probably not have came into the equation but for anyone that has ever suffered from it will tell you, there is nothing you can do but go home to cure it.

The Pirate family wishes the young man well and we are sure this will not be the last we hear from 'Shinde the Slumdog Silky Soccer Star from Mumbai'.

2011-11-08T05:16:00.001-08:00

2011-11-06T17:25:00.003-08:00

2011-11-03T12:48:00.001-07:00

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2011-10-31T17:59:00.000-07:00

2011-10-31T17:21:00.000-07:00

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2011-10-31T17:07:00.001-07:00

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2011-10-20T12:06:00.001-07:00

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2011-10-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

The Galveston Pirate SC cruised to a 7-0 victory in the HFA Memorial Cup on Sunday 16th October with a nice spread of goals throughout the side that pleased the watching coach.

Two goals from Alvarez and singles from Hutson, Carrillo, Castro, McNair and one from new boy Shinde completed a good all round performance from the side that just secured a NPSL franchise for season 2012.

Although Forza Elite sit some four divisions below the Galveston side but Coach Brendan Keyes wasn't about to take things lightly and wanted the win, in this, the teams inaugural year in the competition.

The scoring started just three minutes in after a slick passing move from Shinde to Hutson whose great ball found Alvarez to give his side an early lead.

Hutson was also involved for the second on the 20 minute mark but this time it was all about him as his solo effort from 20 yards out made it two and put the Pirates on cruise control.

Galveston were playing the ball around very well and at this point of the match Forza Elite couldn't get the ball off the much improved Pirate side and just two minutes prior to the side added a third goal with Alvarez scoring his second of the game from just inside the box.

After some hearty words from Coach Keyes at the half time interval, the Pirate players continued in the same vain as they had ended the first with most of the play being controlled by them, in particular young Indian player Pratik Shinde.

The young player was beginning to put his stamp on the game with some neat passing moves between him and Vela who was making his return for the Pirates.

Goal number four was never far away and once again it was from the slick passing that the Pirate side were putting on show.

This time it was Aguirre that found Castro down the right wing before Castro played a nice one two with Shinde before he finished off what was the best move of the game with a superb shot low into the right hand corner.

At this point it was just a matter of how many goals would be scored by the end of the 90 minutes and the Pirates added a fifth just two minutes later when Oscar Carrillo unleashed a great shot from 20 yards out into the top corner.

The game was all but over in terms of a competition at this point and the players seemed desperate to get the new boy Shinde on the score sheet.

On the 69th minute they achieved that goal much to the delight of everyone watching as young Shinde received the ball from Jose Reyna on the edge of the box before turning his defender and placed a shot with the inside of his boot into the bottom right hand corner.

It was a great moment for the lad from Mumbai, India and you could tell everyone was happy for him.

Captain RJ McNair rounded off a great display of football from the Pirates with his own solo run from the back to score only his second goal for the team in two years of play for them to make the final score 7-0.

Afterwards Coach Brendan Keyes said:"It was great to see RJ get a goal today, he is the team leader and he deserved it. When he goes on those long runs, it's very hard to catch him because when he gets going he's like a thoroughbred racehorse!"

Carrying on he said:"We played some great football today and having Jorge Vela back in the team really helped us, it also allows Pratik to get forward more often."

Speaking of his new protege he said:"I am so happy for Pratik, it was a great performance from him especially in the second half after I gave him some good old fashioned verbal persuasion during the break."

Pratik Shinde who was making his competitive starting debut for the side also spoke after the match:"The guys on the team have been fantastic to me and at half time the coach gave me some harsh words so I knew I had to lift my game in the second half. I believe I did and this first goal is for my family and friends back home, oh, and also for coach Keyes." he smiled.

2011-10-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

Galveston Pirates Secure NPSL Franchise

Texas soccer side Galveston Pirates are pleased to announce their purchase of a franchise berth within the U.S National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).

Teams from Brooklyn to San Diego, Atlanta to Chicago, Milwaukee to Buffalo already take part in this nationwide league setup, Galveston are just the latest of a series of sides to make the step up to this illustrious league and the point isn't lost on Pirate coach and owner Brendan Keyes.

"It's a great chance and opportunity for us, as a team to grow and progress and this national platform gives us the chance to shine." said Keyes.

After a aborted attempt to join the NPSL floundered a couple of season's ago due to a franchise ownership issue, the Pirates initiated and jointly founded the SPSL in the Houston area before joining the Houston Football Association (HFA) where they currently ply their trade.

"We will continue to play in the HFA during the close season of the NPSL giving us the chance to play all year round which is great for me personally as I live and breath the game, it's what I do and all I ever think about." enthused Keyes.

Continuing on he said:"We may need to have a squad roster of nearly two separate teams to cope with the volume of games we have now set ourselves but I want this, the players want this and the public want this. This could catapult the team and the league's we participate in, into the Texas sporting limelight which can only be a good thing for all involved."

The Pirate side are only four matches into the HFA Championship this season and currently sit third and will play through until March next year before having a small break before joining the NPSL in May where they will play until July.

Joining the NPSL also gives the Galveston side the opportunity of gaining automatic qualification to the U.S Lemar Open Cup by winning their individual divisional section being able to get drawn against NASL and MLS sides in the ultimate quest of a nationwide platform.

Keyes said of the Open Cup chance:"Ideally we would love to play against Houston Dynamo. Being local to us, we have played their Academy side on many occasions but never the MLS senior side. It would be dream come true to play them on this stage."
"Wouldn't it be great it we could could be the first side to play them at their new stadium that's currently being built? What a coup that would be!" Keyes said with a wry smile.

The Pirates have a very young side at the moment with many of the players still studying at college but have a couple of higher profile players flung in for good measure.

RJ McNair, whose uncle was the late NFL star quarterback Steve McNair, who played for the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens was recently installed as captain of the side even though he's still at the tender age of 23.

Another who has experience and age on the other players is ex Bahamian international Peron Major who at 32 is the elder statesman of the squad whose experience will be key to this side competing in the NPSL when it comes around next year.

One thing's for sure with Keyes and his players, they will relish this new commitment, it's what they compete for, it's the ultimate challenge, BRING IT ON!

Not Just Scottish Football: Glasgow City FC Women Ready for Icelandic Challenge in Champions League

2011-09-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Glasgow City FC Women Ready for Icelandic Challenge in Champions League

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Zodiacos Remain Unbeaten to Reach Final Spot

2011-09-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Zodiacos Remain Unbeaten to Reach Final Spot

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Galveston Pirates Finally Get Their Man;Welcome to Pratik Shinde!

2011-09-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Galveston Pirates Finally Get Their Man;Welcome to Pratik Shinde!

Not Just Scottish Football: Mancini: Carlos Tevez is Finished!

2011-09-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Mancini: Carlos Tevez is Finished!

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: OLFC Mendo: Zodiacos Remain Unbeaten to Reach Final Spot

2011-09-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: OLFC Mendo: Zodiacos Remain Unbeaten to Reach Final Spot

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

http://myscottishfootball.blogspot.com/2011/09/bayern-munichs-mean-machine-warm-up-for.html

2011-09-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

http://myscottishfootball.blogspot.com/2011/09/bayern-munichs-mean-machine-warm-up-for.html

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Messi business! FC Barcelona stars in a sweat over new shirts

2011-09-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Messi business! FC Barcelona stars in a sweat over new shirts

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Dirk Kuyt frustrated after losing Liverpool starting place

2011-09-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

Dirk Kuyt frustrated after losing Liverpool starting place

Not Just Scottish Football: Van Persie Next to Leave Arsenal?

2011-09-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Van Persie Next to Leave Arsenal?

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Barcelona v Atlético Madrid – as it happened

2011-09-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

Barcelona v Atlético Madrid – as it happened

Not Just Scottish Football: Celtic Secure Victory Amid Strange Scenes

2011-09-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Celtic Secure Victory Amid Strange Scenes

Not Just Scottish Football: Bryan Mann: UST Profile

2011-09-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Bryan Mann: UST Profile

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Log Heights, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

2011-09-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

Log Heights, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Dundee United Break Diamonds Hearts with Hard Fought Victory

2011-09-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Dundee United Break Diamonds Hearts with Hard Fought Victory

Not Just Scottish Football: Sabah Hattrick Sinks Queretaro in Six Goal Thriller (highlights)

2011-09-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Sabah Hattrick Sinks Queretaro in Six Goal Thriller (highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Nacional Montevideo Cerro Largo Highlights & Goals (4-0) Video 19/9/2011

2011-09-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

Nacional Montevideo Cerro Largo Highlights & Goals (4-0) Video 19/9/2011

Not Just Scottish Football: Ex Glasgow Rangers Player Alan Gow Now Plying His Trade in India

2011-09-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Ex Glasgow Rangers Player Alan Gow Now Plying His Trade in India

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

2011-09-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

AND THEY'RE OFF!

Like the Gold Cup at Ayr Racecourse over the past weekend, they're off and running!

All the Ayr United Football Academy sides have been back in action for the past three weeks with some cracking results and performances being clocked in over the season so far which continues the excellent 2010-11 that finished before the summer.

The coach's and players have been going from strength to strength, building on last season's successes that were enjoyed by the girls sides and the under 17's title winning team.

This season saw a new addition to the setup with an under 13 team joining the others in the hope of coaching and developing an even younger set of players that can be brought through the ranks all with the ultimate goal of building a tremendous youth setup that can compete with the best in the country.

This addition brings the total of boys teams to six and with an average of 17 players per team, there is over 100 talented young players involved in the coaching and development setup at the moment.

YOUTH AT WORK

This weekends matches saw some tremendous displays by our teams.

The 19's side made the trip to Recreation Park for their match against Alloa and soon found themselves a goal down from a strange situation when Ayr United regular this season Gareth Armstrong, inadvertently turned the ball into his own goal but neither he or his teammates let this mishap drag them down and subsequently went on to dominate the rest of the match with some good possession and multiple chances at goal.

It was to be the two star strikers that were to do their job up front for the AUFA side with firstly Mark Shankland heading home to equalise before his partner Roddy Paterson added his first of the match for Ayr to take the lead.

Paterson was then to score a trademark goal when he met a brilliantly weighted ball from defender Armstrong, got himself in behind the defence before going one on one with the keeper, sliding it under the out rushing stopper to make the score 3-1 for his side.

Ayr's fourth goal was a tremendous move that was started by midfielder Robbie Crawford who himself was ultimately unlucky not to score when he saw his 30 yard thunderbolt strike the post. Paterson was quickest to react though and picked up the loose ball, chipped it to the back post for Shankland to head home adding his own second of the match and set up a race with Paterson for the first hat trick of the game.

However it was to be Alloa that struck next after some nice footwork by their attacker, slotting home to make the scoreline 2-4 but this was to prove a false dawn for the home side as a truly team effort involving Armstrong, Paterson, Crawford and Sean Kelly culminated in Scott Aitken scoring the seventh goal of the game, giving Ayr an unassailable 5-2 lead.

The scoring wasn't finished though and it was inevitable that one of the two main strike partners were to end the game with a hat trick with that merit going to 16 year old Shankland who scored with a truly superb strike from the edge of the box, with his left foot, that nestled into the top corner to round off a well deserved victory for the U19 side.

Roddy Paterson and Mark Shankland again proved they have the ability to score goals and to steal a punchline similar to the Kevin Costner movie 'Field of Dreams' where the immortal line 'Build it and they will come' was spoken, in the case of these two strikers it would read 'Play us and we will score' springs to mind!

17'S

This season's 17's side has a tough task of emulating last seasons Scottish Championship winning side looked to continue their good run of form by making it three wins out of three when they played host to Elgin City at a sunny Belmont Academy on Sunday.

Elgin's journey had started at 6.30am to meet the 1pm kick off and afterwards must have debated the effort and merits of such a long arduous journey after being on the end of such a terrible result as the home team ran out 11 - 1 winners.

The home side started at breakneck pace and from the first blast of the referee's whistle had Elgin fighting a rearguard action in an effort to keep at bay the rampant Ayr boys. They managed this for the first 15 minutes and even belied the eventual scoreline by surprisingly taking the lead with an unstoppable shot beyond keeper Bob McClatchie.

This perhaps surprised both sides into a reverse action as the home side controlled the remainder of the match with the Highland side somewhat shocked at leading the game at this stage and it even took until the 25th minute before an equalizer was forthcoming with Dillon Dunn slotting home, much to the relief of Academy coaches on the sidelines.

Dunn added to this relief by scoring another two goals in the next 10 minutes, rounding off his hat trick with some top notch finishing.

Just when it looked like the half would end with just a two goal lead, an incredible four minute spell leading to half time was to end Elgin's hopes of a recovery.

Up step Adam Fraser for the home side;A hat trick of goals on the 41st, 42nd and 45th minute stunned both sides to end what was a blistering first 45 minutes of play that was not to get any better in the second period for the visiting team.

6-1 was never going to be the final score at this rate and the scoreline was to increase within only two minutes of the restart when Sean Robertson slotted home from 20 yards out.

In all the flurry of goals, it seemed impossible to comprehend that there would be a 20 minute spell of non-goal scoring activity but that's what happened as the Elgin players regrouped and staged a highland version of the 'Alamo'. Much like Davy Crockett and the gang in Texas, this last stand was not to last through to the end of play as tiredness started to play a part in proceedings.

Man of the match Adam Fraser went on to complete a double hat trick of goals in the 67th, 71st and 76th minute to take the scoreline up to nine goals for the home side ending any small glimmer of hope the Elgin side had of recovering.

The earlier effort put in by both sides was starting to tell but not before Ayr added another couple from Andy McCormack and Chris Kelly to round off a well polished victory giving their side a 11-1 victory that can be cherished by all who witnessed it.

Credit has to go to the Elgin City players and coaching staff who, although under the cosh for the entire match they never, at any time, resorted to strong arm tactics. They battled hard throughout and played in the proper spirit right until the end. Ayr United wish them well for the rest of the season.

SPONSORSHIPS

AUFA are still looking for player sponsorships and at £75 for the season, it's a

worthwhile investment for you, your family or your business as well as for the future

of Ayr United. As the AUFA is a registered charity all proceed go directly to the

Talented Young Players Programme within the Academy and you can rest assured

that this donation gets put to best use in furthering the skills, coaching and

development of the players themselves.

For further details contact marc.roseblade@aufa.org.uk, visit the AUFA website or

see us on Facebook for more information.

Not Just Scottish Football: Mexico: Gallos Blancos Fire Four Past Toothless Pumas(recap&highlights)

2011-09-18T08:48:00.001-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Mexico: Gallos Blancos Fire Four Past Toothless Pumas(recap&highlights)

Not Just Scottish Football

2011-09-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Milan Open Title Defence With 4 Goal Draw With Lazio

2011-09-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Milan Open Title Defence With 4 Goal Draw With Lazio

Not Just Scottish Football: Stevie G Nears Return to Training at Liverpool

2011-09-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Stevie G Nears Return to Training at Liverpool

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

http://myscottishfootball.blogspot.com/2011/09/galveston-pirate-soccer-club-steady.html

2011-09-07T17:12:00.000-07:00

http://myscottishfootball.blogspot.com/2011/09/galveston-pirate-soccer-club-steady.html

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Zidane Back in Real Madrid First Team Squad

2011-09-07T16:16:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Zidane Back in Real Madrid First Team Squad

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Sneijder Wanted Switch to Manchester But The Club Pulled Out

2011-09-07T15:58:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Sneijder Wanted Switch to Manchester But The Club Pulled Out

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Scotland Grab Glimmer of Euro Hope With Lithuania Win

2011-09-06T18:06:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Scotland Grab Glimmer of Euro Hope With Lithuania Win

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Scotland Robbed of Points By Ridiculous Referee(highlights)

2011-09-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Scotland Robbed of Points By Ridiculous Referee(highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: SFL Highlights

2011-09-02T18:33:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: SFL Highlights

Not Just Scottish Football: Glasgow Celtic Win Appeal for Re-Entry to Europa Cup

2011-09-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Glasgow Celtic Win Appeal for Re-Entry to Europa Cup

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Scotland Win World Cup With Thrilling Win Over Mexico (highlights)

2011-09-01T18:45:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Scotland Win World Cup With Thrilling Win Over Mexico (highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: A Scotsman's Football Tale in Mexico

2011-08-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: A Scotsman's Football Tale in Mexico

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Ex Arsenal Star Fabregas Shows His Class in 5-0 Thrashing of Villareal (highlights)

2011-08-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Ex Arsenal Star Fabregas Shows His Class in 5-0 Thrashing of Villareal (highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Mexico: Gallos Blancos Earn Hard Fought Away Point (highlights)

2011-08-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Mexico: Gallos Blancos Earn Hard Fought Away Point (highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Ronaldo Hat Trick Helps Real Madrid to Six Goal Victory (highlights)

2011-08-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Ronaldo Hat Trick Helps Real Madrid to Six Goal Victory (highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Manchester United Make Wenger & Arsenal Eight Humble Pie (highlights)

2011-08-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Manchester United Make Wenger & Arsenal Eight Humble Pie (highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Dzeko Fires Four as Manchester City Spank Spurs (highlights)

2011-08-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Dzeko Fires Four as Manchester City Spank Spurs (highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

2011-08-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

In a week that saw the top Scottish football sides bite the dust in a pathetic manner in Europe, Bodog sponsored side Ayr United, who play in the Scottish First Division, have managed to keep up their recent good run of form with two wins and a draw in the past seven days.

Hotly tipped as one of the favourites for relegation this season due to their part time status, Ayr United have been punching above their weights with constant tip top performances against not only the favourites in the league but also remain unbeaten in all cup competitions, keeping open the Somerset Park supporters fantasy dream of a quadruple trophy haul.

The last seven days have seen a hard fought draw against promotion hopefuls Falkirk last weekend, a midweek win in the Community League Cup against SPL side Inverness and this Saturday saw a last minute goal from Ross Robertson clinch all three points in a match that handed the Ayr team their first league win in four outings to move the Honest Men into fifth spot in the league table. The irony of Rosscos last minute goal was not lost on most Ayr United supporters, as they have watched opponent teams have last minute goals chalked off for offside in the previous two matches.

Maybe Ayr United have some karma working in their favour this season or maybe it's just the Bodog/Calvin Ayre golden touch effect rubbing off on them, whatever the reason, let it continue!

The midweek cup win against Ex England captain Terry Butchers Inverness side was in particular a special night, as it not only saw the first match under the newly erected floodlights, but also saw Ayr continue with their excellent recent record of defeating sides from the top tier of Scottish Football with a well earned 1-0 victory.

No one could deny that Ayr have deserved these victories as recent signings Michael McGowan, John Robertson and Martyn Campbell have all slotted well into a side that includes many youth players like Ross Robertson, Roddy Paterson and Gareth Armstrong. This contrast in youth and experience has perhaps given the Ayr side a new impetus this season with many other sides continuing down the experienced player route and abandoning their youth set up.

Michael Moffat has continued to pay dividends if you fancy a flutter on first goal scored with Eddie Malone also being a surprise package that will have stung a few bookies pockets with his back of the net goalscoring antics of recent matches. The Moff in particular has sparked a light in Bodog's betting sportsbook with a top scorer race being placed on himself and English Premier sponsored side West Broms star player Odemwinge.

Next up for Super Ayr is the quarter final of the Ramsdens Cup which sees them pitched against third division side Annan Athletic in a match that many Ayr fans will see as a great opportunity to progress to the semi finals given their teams recent form but manager Brian Reid will be wary and quick to point out to the supporters that Annan have won all four league matches so far this season and will be no pushover.

Not Just Scottish Football: Scottish Clubs Humiliated in European Night of Woe(highlights)

2011-08-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Scottish Clubs Humiliated in European Night of Woe(highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Ayr United Dump SPL Side Inverness from the League Cup

2011-08-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Ayr United Dump SPL Side Inverness from the League Cup

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Womens Champions League:Glasgow Draw Icelandic Champions in Final 32

2011-08-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Womens Champions League:Glasgow Draw Icelandic Champions in Final 32

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Morton & St Mirren Serve up Rival Cracker

2011-08-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Morton & St Mirren Serve up Rival Cracker

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Mexico Liga Primera Weekend Roundup (full highlights package)

2011-08-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Mexico Liga Primera Weekend Roundup (full highlights package)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Ayr United Football Academy Kick Off Healthy Heart Programme

2011-08-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Ayr United Football Academy Kick Off Healthy Heart Programme

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Man United Sign Staggering £40 Million DHL Training Kit Deal

2011-08-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Man United Sign Staggering £40 Million DHL Training Kit Deal

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Primera Division Apertura:Gun Shots Forces Abandonment of Santos Match(match highlights)

2011-08-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Primera Division Apertura:Gun Shots Forces Abandonment of Santos Match(match highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Celtic Slump At Home to Saints (highlights)

2011-08-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Celtic Slump At Home to Saints (highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Rangers Fire Warning Across the Bow of Title Pretenders

2011-08-21T17:44:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Rangers Fire Warning Across the Bow of Title Pretenders

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Galveston Pirates Prepare for Battle to Kickoff

2011-08-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Galveston Pirates Prepare for Battle to Kickoff

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Gallos Blancos Sack Manager Gustavo Matosas

2011-08-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Gallos Blancos Sack Manager Gustavo Matosas

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Has Real Madrid Boss Jose Mourinho Lost His Marbles?

2011-08-18T15:42:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Has Real Madrid Boss Jose Mourinho Lost His Marbles?

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

2011-08-17T04:22:00.000-07:00

Youth Players Charge In

In a time when clubs are struggling with debt and lack of support, they look towards their youth set up for a helping hand in terms of personnel;This season so far has seen Ayr United Football Academy show the best of the rest how it's done by supplying a countless amount of young stars to the Ayr United senior squad.

Both Gareth Armstrong and Roddy Paterson have been regular feature's in the past few matches and rightly so after viewing them up against some older, wiser professional footballers.

With a man of the man performance from Gareth in the game against Raith Rovers in the Ramsden Cup match at Cappielow to Roddy's opening goal in the same match, it has been an never ending story for these two players in the opening fixtures and one they are unwilling to let end as they continue to push for further starting opportunities in Brian Reid's side.

Both guys have taken their senior call ups in their stride and sometimes it takes a fortuitous event to help the career of some young player's as they strive for the break they deserve. For Gareth that fortune came at the expense of Eddie Malone being injured in Ayr's first league match against title tipped Hamilton, when the defender got himself injured, opening the door for the 17 year old to play most of the match and the rest they say is history.

Since that day, he has been outstanding in the defensive lineup alongside veteran players John Robertson and Martyn Campbell and has never stepped out
of place in the matches that he has started in;Indeed, he managed a man of the man achievement from sponsors Ramsdens when the Ayr side met Raith Rovers at Cappielow last week showing his maturity beyond his tender years. He also managed an assist for goalscoring machine Roddy Paterson in the same match.

Roddy himself flirted with the senior side last season but after scoring 35 goals for the under 19's and Reserve team in all matches last term, Brian Reid had no other option to allow the 19 year old some more senior game time to see if he had what it took to succeed at this level.

The Maybole man has not disappointed!

With early pre season goals for Ayr most notably against SPL side St Mirren, Roddy took his chance of a starting position in the Raith Rovers match in his stride and opened the scoring that night with a delightful side footed swerve from around 18 yards round the keeper and into the net. Although his celebrations weren't of the St Mirren style that everyone had expected, the joy of this goal was apparent to all who managed the trip to Greenock that night.

This goal opened the way for Ayr to go on to a glorious performance that night and had it not been for fellow AUFA player Gareth earning his MOM, Roddy would surely have been next in line for it for a hard worked shift up front.

Ex Academy graduate Ross Robertson must also be given some credit for continuing to push forward for a starting berth and has continually shown his metal whenever required to do so.

His starting spot in the Raith match was just reward for all his hard work this season with his eventual magnificent goal in the same match surely being up for goal of the month when the SFL look through their archives. It's easy to forget that Ross is still only 20 years old and has many bright years of football ahead of him.

With these three players at the very least, Ayr United Football Academy can look to the future of AUFC like a proud father in the knowledge that we created them!

Fixtures

This weekend sees the return to competitive action for the AUFA teams, with age groups from 13's to 19's taking to the field for the new season.

If you are out and about, get yourself along to one of the matches and see if you can spot the next big thing to emerge from the conveyor belt of players that keeps being churned out by the excellent coaching staff within the Academy.

Sunday 21st August 2011

13's v Dundee, Prestwick Academy 11am
14's v East Fife, Rosyth Civil Service 2pm
15's v East Fife, Rosyth Civil Service 2pm
16's v East Fife, Prestwick Academy 1pm
19's v Arbroath, Prestwick Academy 3.15pm

Sponsorships

AUFA are still looking for player sponsorships and at £75 for the season, it's a worthwhile investment for you, your family or your business as well as for the future of Ayr United. As the AUFA is a registered charity all proceed go directly to the Talented Young Players Programme within the Academy and you can rest assured that this donation gets put to best use in furthering the skills, coaching and development of the players themselves.

For further details contact marc.roseblade@aufa.org.uk, visit the AUFA website or see us for details on Facebook.

Not Just Scottish Football: Glasgow City FC Victorious;Last 32 in Women's Champions League Awaits

2011-08-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Glasgow City FC Victorious;Last 32 in Women's Champions League Awaits

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

2011-08-16T17:08:00.003-07:00

revolights. join the revolution. from revolights on Vimeo.

Not Just Scottish Football: Robbie Keane Looks to Switch London for LA

2011-08-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Robbie Keane Looks to Switch London for LA

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Barcelona Eventually Get Cesc Fabregas

2011-08-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Barcelona Eventually Get Cesc Fabregas

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Ayr Earn Hard Fought Draw After Early Moff Goal Against Dundee

2011-08-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Ayr Earn Hard Fought Draw After Early Moff Goal Against Dundee

Not Just Scottish Football: Celtic Hammer Five But Hooper Leaves on Stretcher(highlights)

2011-08-13T20:10:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Celtic Hammer Five But Hooper Leaves on Stretcher(highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Zip Wire open day

2011-08-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

Zip Wire open day

Not Just Scottish Football: Ayr United Strike Gold With Win in Ramsdens Cup

2011-08-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Ayr United Strike Gold With Win in Ramsdens Cup

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Activities for kids in Harrogate, York | Groups & Associations | Gumtree.com

2011-08-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

Activities for kids in Harrogate, York | Groups & Associations | Gumtree.com

Log Heights - DAYoutWITHtheKIDS.co.uk - family things to do with kids in Ripley

2011-08-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

Log Heights - DAYoutWITHtheKIDS.co.uk - family things to do with kids in Ripley

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Log Heights - DAYoutWITHtheKIDS.co.uk - family things to do with kids in Ripley

2011-08-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

Log Heights - DAYoutWITHtheKIDS.co.uk - family things to do with kids in Ripley

Not Just Scottish Football: SFA Outline Coaching Vision for the Future at Development Day at Ayr United

2011-08-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: SFA Outline Coaching Vision for the Future at Development Day at Ayr United

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

2011-07-31T18:56:00.000-07:00

SFA Coach Development

The SFA South West Regional Coach Development day took place at Somerset Park on Sunday 31st July with over 100 participants attending to be briefed on new training techniques and the SFA's vision of the future.

Coaches from all forms of teams from around the South West Region were invited to take part as updates for the SFA were shared and explained by the SFA development officers on hand.

Infrastructure

South West Regional Manager Ritchie Wilson updated the coaches on the regional plans that are being prepared for the future as the current plan is nearing an end after nearly five years.

In the past year alone, over 1000 coaches have passed through the SFA coaching course's and 61 teams have achieved the Quality Mark status with the SFA opening two School's of Football in East Ayrshire and are hopeful for a third in South Ayrshire to be up and running in the near future.

Scotland United, A 2020 Vision

"The Scottish FA leads the national game with integrity and innovation to breed a culture of Performance, Unity & Trust"

"Good is the Enemy of Great"

The SFA's new vision for the future will be prepared and up and running by the year 2015 with targets being set for all levels of football including the national teams of all ages.

The 2020 vision has set out it's bookmarks for the future including:

Strong Quality Growth

More registered players
Sustainable participation in our game
One national plan for the recreational game
More attractive modern game for all
More talented young players

Perform and Win

Scotland winning
Higher standards
Future team growth
Home of great coaches
Elite referees

Developing 1v1 Skills

The attendees were then shown new coaching skills by Aberdeen FC coach Jim Crawford with the help of 12 willing participants from the group of coaches being subjected to what at first appeared to be basic skills training. Easier on paper than in practice as the coaches found out but once learned they were soon side stepping, foot spinning, dragging and turning with relative ease.

Jim Crawford said:"To be able to coach the children and players properly, it makes it easier to train them if the coaches involved know exactly how to do what they are coaching."

Carrying on he said:"You have to be patient with the players involved, some will pick up certain skills faster than others but it's about progression;Not against each other but against yourself. As long as the player him or her self shows regular improvement, that's what you should be looking for."

With the drills and 1v1 skills that Jim had shown, most coaches were picking up new ideas that they were willing to put into practice at the first instance withing their own team.

Billy Stark

Scotland under 21 team manager was next up to share his wisdom giving us an insight into the youth setup when the national sides gather for matches.

The ex Celtic, St Mirren and Scotland player coaches and manages all the lower age groups from the 15's through to 21's and explained that the maximum amount of time he has with any age group would be 12 days due to club commitments.

"It used to be that when the senior squad played, the under 21's played their respective match against the same country but we now have tournaments in their own right. Budgets restrict anything longer than 12 day get togethers but when tournaments are held now we generally have three games in a six day period so can be quite tough on the players." Billy said.

Carrying on he spoke about the get togethers:"It's hard sometimes to get the players together for any length of time due to club matches and if we have a tournament where we are to play three matches in six days, it doesn't give us much time to work with the players beforehand. It also makes it difficult to see which players will work well together as the players we have normally play against each other, not together, and all have different training and coaching regimes with their individual clubs."

Billy Stark Practical Skills

Ayr United Football Academy under 17's team were called upon for the skills training session watched over and instructed by the National coach which saw the boys involved getting some valuable information and advice from a respected member of the coaching fraternity.

With the session being focused on building from the back and penetrating the opposition through to goal, Billy showed his aptitude for the role he currently holds by encouraging the young players whenever he could, building their confidence with every turn and pass completed.

Setting up in 3 teams of six initially, he worked them through a series of passing sequences, emphasising the need to build and incorporate supporting runs and penetrating passes.

Billy was keen to pass on his years of wisdom to the players on the pitch and the watching coaches giving constant bullet points for coaches to hopefully use in their own training sessions.

Use all of the space on the pitch
Look for different passes other than the ordinary
Support other team members
Think of the next pass and be accurate
Use your imagination when moving ie.overlaps

They then moved onto a 9v9 team setup within a designated area on the field with the aim of stating from the back and possession ball work rather than goal scoring to encourage good movement throughout before moving onto a conditioned game but still within the designated area of the field. The aim of this was again building from the goalkeeper forward to opposition goal this time but still with the emphasis of ball control, possession, movement and penetration.

Overview

A very informative and worthwhile exercise for all concerned in attendance at Somerset Park with lots of news skills to learn and pass on to their respective teams. A lot of work goes into these development days by the SFA development team officers with lots of practical and informative knowledge being passed on with the aim of making Scottish Football progress in the right direction in the future.

by Marc Roseblade

Not Just Scottish Football: SPL Champions Rangers Back on Track With Victory Over St Johnstone(highlights)

2011-07-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: SPL Champions Rangers Back on Track With Victory Over St Johnstone(highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Inter Defeat Celtic, Man City Beat Airtricity in Dublin Super Cup(highlights)

2011-07-30T17:18:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Inter Defeat Celtic, Man City Beat Airtricity in Dublin Super Cup(highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: FIFA 2014 Brazil World Cup Draw Groups Annonced

2011-07-30T16:45:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: FIFA 2014 Brazil World Cup Draw Groups Annonced

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Barcelona v Mnchester United Ready for Kick Off in USA

2011-07-30T16:09:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Barcelona v Mnchester United Ready for Kick Off in USA

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Ronaldo Carries on Last Season's Scoring with Hat Trick over Chivas (highlights)

2011-07-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Ronaldo Carries on Last Season's Scoring with Hat Trick over Chivas (highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: SPL Sides Revving up for Early Season Start on Saturday

2011-07-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: SPL Sides Revving up for Early Season Start on Saturday

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: As Everton Stumble in Philadelphia, Bolton Leave Houston Victorious (highlights)

2011-07-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: As Everton Stumble in Philadelphia, Bolton Leave Houston Victorious (highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

Not Just Scottish Football: Man United Destroy Seattle Sounders, Chicago Next in Firing Line (highlights)

2011-07-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Man United Destroy Seattle Sounders, Chicago Next in Firing Line (highlights)

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.

2011-07-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

2011-07-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

AUFA, Under Starters Orders

Woof, the summer is barely even over and we have seen plenty of Academy football action so far in the past few weeks since the youth season finished.

It seems like an eternity ago that the under 17's were paraded around Somerset Park holding aloft the Scottish Football League trophy that now nestles proudly amongst the Ayr United trophy cabinet, and being the newest addition to the silverware, it takes pride of place, centre stage, for any visiting dignitaries to view when entering the Somerset Park boardroom.

Since breaking up at the end of last season, the football Academy has not stood still seeing a flurry of professional contract signings and first team call ups.

The Professionals

The end of May saw the first couple of players to make the step up to the senior ranks with striker Dale Moore and defender Iain Fisher being invited into Somerset Park to sign their well deserved professional football contracts.

Under the watchful eyes of both the players fathers, the players were delighted to be signing on the dotted line, achieving their boyhood dreams of playing for the football club they have supported since they were nippers.

Davie White, head of youth for Ayr United stated:"Both players have served their apprenticeship with the under 19's squad, the AUFC reserve side and also spent some time playing out on loan to local junior sides. Both players have handed the pressure placed upon them this season and have now been rewarded accordingly."

Next up for signing his professional contract was young 15 year old Mark Shankland who had been courted by Liverpool, Rangers and Celtic.

The young man decided to prolong his career at his home club signing a two year contract that also sees him starting a college course when the semester starts in the Autumn.

With Ayr United chairman Lachlan Cameron returning from Los Angeles especially to be in attendance for the future star's signing, the player was delighted to have signed for club saying:"One of the reasons for staying here at Ayr is the coaching setup. The coaches have been brilliant with me and advised me that should I go to one of the Old Firm Clubs, I might fall into the cracks at a club that size and then lose my chance. The fact they have also helped me enter into the Sports and Fitness (football) college course, makes my reason for staying all the more justified."

Mark was of course lucky enough to get some Senior team pitch time near the end of last season's campaign and he didn't look out of place up against older more experienced players.

The future looks bright for all three of these players and we shall look forward to seeing more of them in the near future.

This Season

We have already seen the benefits of the Football Academy setup this season with several first team opportunities in Ayr United's pre season friendlies for some of the up and coming stars of the future.

It's ironic that in a match against a Manchester United XI team that will presumably field mostly youth players, that we talk about the Ayr United youth players that have already sparkled this season without a competitive ball being kicked.

If you speak to under 19 coach Stevie McMillan, you would hear endless superlatives about a young man that knows his way to goal, scoring an incredible 35 goals for the under 19 side last season.

If you have been to Somerset Park this season for a glimpse of the new team, you will of course know we are talking about Roddy Paterson, the recently turned 19 year old who scored the only goal of the game against SPL side St Mirren and also hit the crossbar with another effort. On a day that had seen Gary Teale return to Ayr, it was the youngster that stole the show and took the plaudits, and rightly so!

We will be hoping for big things from Roddy this season and with his eye for goal, hopefully plenty of net bulging shots that we can cheer.

Defender Gareth Armstrong has slipped under the radar and into the Ayr squad this season as well, performing admirably in the pre season matches without fuss, getting the job in hand completed like a pro. Much is made of the goal scoring antics at football clubs that sometimes defenders get forgotten about but Gareth's performances so far has shown his ability to blend in and adapt to a faster more physical game than he is used to with the under 19 squad and if he keeps this level of play up, he will surely become the next Jonathan Tiffoney.

Another player that is little known with the Ayr United faithful has been midfielder Cammy Marlow, who like Gareth Armstrong has slipped into the squad almost unnoticed by the Ayr United supporters such is the ability and technique of the player.

This ability to move into the senior squad without hesitation has saw the 16 year old blend well with the other players, making it almost believable that he has played in this role all of his life. Cammy has been deployed in the left hand side of midfield for the senior squad in the pre season friendlies showing his willingness and strength as he pushes for a regular squad place for the upcoming season. Good left sided players are always hard to come by so Cammy may be a gem in the making.

Unfortunately for Mark Shankland he has been injured for the start of the season and has been unable to be available for selection so far but his time will come this year. It's a shame for the young man as he has been not been able to show off his new suit that he purchased for squad trips!

Academy Success

This promises to be another successful year for Ayr United Football Academy as they try and build on last years successes. From the under 17 side winning the Scottish Football League and also the girls under 13's side winning their respective league that saw them promoted into the A division. Both achievements will be hard to emulate but one I am sure they will be hoping to surpass.

Not Just Scottish Football: Ex Ayr United Manager Gordon Dalziel Coaching The Future Maple Leaf Stars

2011-07-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Not Just Scottish Football: Ex Ayr United Manager Gordon Dalziel Coaching The Future Maple Leaf Stars

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as Not Just Scottish Football and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.