Former Ayr United women's star on her humbling coaching mission to Africa
A former Ayr United women's football star has told of her humbling experience coaching kids in Africa.
Clare Docherty jetted thousands of miles to take part in an inspiring project teaching the beautiful game.
Docherty, 36, joined fellow Scots coaches and youth footballers on the latest Scottish Football For Rwanda mission to pass on skills to youngsters.
Now she's spoken of her dream to return - and establish an Ayr United Academy which can inspire players of the future.
Clare, the head of United's women's and girls' setup, hung up her own playing boots at the end of last season before making the trip of a lifetime.
She told the Ayrshire Post:"It was an incredible experience. I didn't really know what to expect as it's such different way of life out there.
"When it comes to basic resources like school uniforms or shoes for children, it's a real challenge. They are so grateful for the things we take for granted in Scotland.
"We went into really rural areas to hand out kit and coach the kids. Their excitement and reaction was so humbling.
"The children were showing me how they make footballs with banana leaves and use those for their games. It just makes you appreciate what we have here."
Clare joined her fellow coaches on the Scots project which visits Rwanda twice a year, and hails its aim to "support development of grassroots youth football in one of the world's most deserving nations."
Their next trip is in October, and Clare is raring to go back and spread the word of Ayr United even more.
She explained: "A group of 16 and 17-year-old kids from Scotland came with us on the recent trip for the very first time.
"They've said they'll always look to do that in future because of the success this year.
"I'm looking to go back on the next trip and would love to take some kids from the Ayr United Academy to help establish our own presence in Rwanda."
Clare added: "It was hard in a sense to see the way some of the kids out there were living, but the happiness they got from us being there was very uplifting.
"I struggled when I came back because Scottish people are always in a rush, stressed or they're angry.
"Out there, they literally have nothing and are so appreciative of everything they get. It's an eye-opener.
"We would spend hours with the kids just having fun, delivering the coaching sessions and giving them a chance to play football. That's what it's all about."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
28 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Celtic transfer news as Balikwisha timeline emerges and Ambrosino gets appraisal
Brendan Rodgers has made it no secret that he wants to bolster his forward options before the window slams shut on September 1 Celtic will reportedly ramp up their attempts to sign long-term target Michel Ange Balikwisha if they are successful in qualifying for the Champions League. The Royal Antwerp star has been heavily linked with the Hoops inside the past 12 months, with Brendan Rodgers on the hunt for a new wide player following Nicolas Kuhn 's £17million exit to Como. And reports in Belgium claim that while he is still on their radar, theParkhead giants champions may have to negotiate the two-legged tie to get into the revamped group stage of Europe's premiere competition before they can make a move for the ex Belgium youth international. Celtic will find out their opponents for the crunch tie in Monday's draw in Nyon, Switzerland. The report also insists that Southampton have made no formal approach to land Baliwkisha, despite links with the 24-year-old. Meanwhile, Celtic have been told exactly what reported target Giueseppe Ambrosino can bring to Rodgers' attacking arsenal. The Hoops have been linked with a move for the Napoli youngster, who's future with the Serie A champions is unclear after spending the whole of last season out on loan with Frosinone in Serie B. As well as Celtic, Serie A duo Cremonese and Cagliari and second tier sides Bari and Pescara are also said to hold an interest in the forward, who is into the final year of his contract in Naples. And according to former Napoli number two Nicolo Frustalupi - who worked with the 21-year-old during his short tenure as assistant manager to Walter Mazzari at the Diego Armando Maradona between November 2023 and February 2024 - Ambrosino ticks all the boxes as an all-round striker. Speaking to tuttomercatoweb, he said: "One of his best qualities, in my opinion, is his shot: it's powerful and accurate. "It's truly his strongest asset. For a centre forward, he's also very technical: he communicates well with his teammates, he's good at laying off and moving the team forward. He's good in the air, especially when it comes to finishing. "He's not exceptional at flicking on or in aerial duels to provide a point of support, but when it comes to finishing with his head, he's effective. In the Primavera, he was also very good at running forward." Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
Scottish Sun
28 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Celtic & Rangers in Champions League play-off draw: Stream FREE, TV channel, start time & potential opponents
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CELTIC and Rangers will both be desperate to make it to the Champions League. But if the two Glasgow giants are to get there, there's one major qualifying hurdle to get over. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is hoping to take the Hoops back to the Champions League Credit: PA 3 Rangers and Russell Martin have already cleared one qualifying hurdle Credit: PA 3 The Old Firm are looking to make it to the Champions League proper Credit: AP Unlike last year, Scottish champions Celtic aren't guaranteed a spot in the Champions League league phase. Instead, Brendan Rodgers' side will have to navigate the play-off round to reach the competition proper. Rangers, meanwhile, have already come through the second qualifying round after seeing-off Panathinaikos. While Celtic are already waiting in the play-off round, Rangers still have to punch their ticket there. Russell Martin's men will take on Czech outfit Viktoria Plzen in the third qualifying round with the winners of that making it into the play-off round. BOTH clubs will know what lies ahead with the play-off draw taking place this Monday. While Rangers still have to get there, the Light Blues will know what lies ahead should they navigate past Plzen over the next week or so. SunSport has all they key info ahead of the big draw. When is the Champions League play-off draw involving Celtic and Rangers? The Champions League play-off draw takes place THIS MONDAY, August 4 It gets underway at 11am UK time The draw will be hosted at Uefa's HQ in Nyon in Switzerland Can I live stream Celtic and Rangers' Champions League play-off draw? Is it on TV ? The draw IS being shown on live TV Champions League broadcaster TNT Sports are showing it live as it happens Coverage begins at 11am on TNT Sports 2 just as the draw is getting started Subscribers can live stream the draw via discovery+ The draw will also be streamed FREE on You can also follow it all LIVE right here with SunSport's live draw blog Who can Celtic and Rangers face in the Champions League play-off draw? Celtic and Rangers are in separate paths of the draw The Hoops are in the Champions Path with Rangers entering the League Path should they get there with Rangers entering the should they get there Celtic are seeded for the draw and have five potential opponents The Hoops will face one of Kairat/Slovan Bratislava, Basel, Shkendija/Qarabag, Dynamo Kyiv/Pafos, Sturm Graz Rangers are unseeded for their draw The Gers/Viktoria Plzen will be drawn against one of two potential match-ups, either Nice/Benfica or Red Bull Salzburg/Club Brugge When does the Champions League play-off round take place? The matches will take place over two legs on 19/20 August and 26/27 August Remember, Rangers first have to navigate the third qualifying round They'll face Viktoria Plzen over two legs on 12 August and 19 August The winners of the play-off ties will qualify for the Champions League league phase Have YOU got a point for Kris Boyd? Kris Boyd and Roger Hannah chew over the big talking points each week SOMETHING you've just got to get off your chest from the weekend action? A burning Scottish football talking point you can't wait to bring up with Kris Boyd and Roger Hannah? SunSport's GoBallistic show wants to hear from you! So why not help set the Scottish football agenda for the week ahead! Have your say on the game's big topics by emailing us on: GoBallistic@ It's YOUR turn to Go Ballistic! Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
The National
36 minutes ago
- The National
Tripadvisor award names Scottish attraction one of the best in world
The Great Tapestry of Scotland been named in top 10 per cent of visitor attractions in the world for the second year in a row in the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2025. The tapestry, which Alexander McCall Smith first had the idea for, was created by 1000 volunteer stitchers over 50,000 hours. It showcases Scotland's history, bringing it to life over 160 panels, starting in prehistoric times and continuing to the modern day. A person examines the tapestry The visitor centre displaying the tapestry first opened in 2021. Sandy Maxwell-Forbes, centre director, said: 'This is testament to the passion, creativity, and hard work that our small team puts into creating a consistently five-star visitor experience. 'We are honoured to be celebrated both nationally, internationally and locally, and remain committed to providing an inspiring and inclusive experience for every visitor who walks through our doors. 'We would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has taken the time to visit us, leave a review and share their experiences and of course the community which plays a key part in making the centre a success. 'Your kind words, support and enthusiasm have helped make this achievement possible and is important now more than ever as we continue to operate through a cost of living crisis.' The awards are based on reviews through the Tripadvisor website from over the last 12 months. Mags Fenner, project manager BID for Galashiels, the town's business improvement district, said: 'This world-class attraction puts [[Galashiels]] on the map as a cultural destination and draws visitors from near and far. 'Local shops, cafés and restaurants have felt the benefit of increased footfall, with many visitors choosing to explore and support our high street after experiencing the tapestry. 'It's also been inspiring to see school children from across the region engage with the tapestry as a rich and accessible way to learn about Scottish and Borders history and culture. 'We're proud to have such a globally recognised centre at the heart of Galashiels."
