FOLLOWING a hiatus due to COVID and the remedial works on the famous stand, the Gala Fairydean Rovers Academy presentation day returned home to Netherdale last Saturday.
More than 200 players from the girls, juniors and youth sections all took part in a series of fun training events before coaches presented each age-group with a series of awards.
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Chair of the GFR Academy David Sparham welcomed a large turnout of parents, guardians and families who enjoyed their day in the sun to watch the young players go through their paces.
He said: “I would just like to personally thank all the coaches and helpers who have done an amazing job making sure that the presentation day was a big success and an enjoyable event.”
The academy is part of the Gala Fairydean Rovers FC Community Trust, a charitable organisation that includes junior and youth football, women and girls football, over 50s walking football, para/disability football and the adult Border Amateur team.
Prior to the start of the youth presentation, Mr McIver, the former secretary of Gala Fairydean Rovers, presented a special award to Debi Ritchie from the community trust’s girls section.
“Back in 2018 I had the honour of inducting Debi into the football club’s Hall of Fame for her volunteer services to both Lowland League and Border Amateur football. Now it gives me great pleasure to present Debi with an award for her services not just to adult football but also to the development of young players in the town. She is fully deserving of this award.”
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The community trust registered their thanks for the support of John Robertson from Stewart Technology, who sponsored the presentation of youth trophies, and Simon Gillie, of SPG, who has been the long-term sponsor of junior football in the town.
The day also witnessed the resumption of the of the GFR Annual Coaches Cup football match on the main pitch. GFR Academy coaches from all age-groups took part in the match organised by coach Pearse O’Neill. The thrilling spectacle ended 7-7 and the two teams lined up for penalties with the Reds managing to hold their nerve for the cup win.
The community trust’s activities did not finish on the Saturday with the para/disability squad participating in the PAN National Disability Tournament in Grangemouth the following day.
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Today (Wednesday), the trust’s walking football team is participating in the Dunbar Civic Week Walking Football Tournament.
Gala Fairydean Rovers Football Academy Award Winners 2023
Services to Football Award: Debi Ritchie
2007 Age group – Top scorer: Louie Arnold; Coaches' Player of the Year: Lewis Robertson; Players' Player of the Year: Ben Macrae
2008 Age group – Top scorer: Kayden Scott; Coaches' Player of the Year: Reece Scott; Players' Player of the Year: Ryan Nixon
2009 Age group – Top scorer: Kenzie McLaughlan; Coaches' Player of the Year: Cameron Revels; Players' Player of the Year: Jensen Mains
2010 Development squad – Top scorer: Josh Kimber; Coaches' Player of the Year: Jan Rychlinski; Players' Player of the Year: Filip Pastuszko
2010 Academy age group – Top scorer: Daylon Jeffrey; Coaches' Player of the Year: Louie Coltman; Players' Player of the Year: Harris Scott
2011 Age group Essda squad – Coaches' Player of the Year: Axl Denholm; Most Improved Player: Tyler McAuley; Players' Player of the Year: Aaron Lawrie
2011 Age group Academy squad – Coaches' Player of the Year: Finlay Crabbe; Most Improved Player: Tyler Cuthbert; Players' Player of the Year: Ben Cornwall
2012 Age group – Joint Coaches' Players of the Year: Shay O’Neill/Arnon MacLeod; Most Improved Player: Daniel Maliha; Players' Player of the Year: Shay O’Neill
2013 Age group – Coaches' Player of the Year: Riley McDowall; Most Improved Player: Eli Playfair; Players' Player of the Year: Aaron Lawrie
2014 Age group – Coaches' Player of the Year: Alex Riddle; Most Improved Player: Ralph Johnston; Players' Player of the Year: Joey Jackson
2015 Age group – Coaches' Player of the Year: Callum Wood; Most Improved Player: Noah Murray; Players' Player of the Year: Dominic Misz
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