Latest news with #AyrUnitedFootballAcademy
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Tarbolton double act hailed for work in finding next Scots stars
Stuart Ferguson and Billy Alexander have been honoured for their work with the Scottish Schools' FA. They're the double act tasked with talent spotting the next big thing in women's football. But to the Ant and Dec of the Ayr United Football Academy, it's all for the love of the game. Stuart Ferguson and Billy Alexander are practically inseperable as they travel the country in search of new stars. The duo's work on behalf of the Scottish Schools FA is far reaching, and has now been been formally recognised by grateful Hampden bosses. The pair have both received Volunteer of the Year awards for their coaching exploits. Ferguson and Alexander admit their bond - the pair have been pals since they could walk the streets of Tarbolton together - makes their role an enjoyable one. Alexander has been part of the overall AUFA furniture for more than a decade and famously quotes Ben Doak among his alumni. "Don't get him started on that one!" raps Ferguson, who joined the Academy in later years and now plays a pivotal role in United's women's setup. Outside of Somerset Park, the pair have been working together since 2018 on behalf of the Scottish Schools' FA to find and develop the best young women's players. Billy, 40, said: "There's a total of six squads around the country, for which we take charge of the south-west. "That involves holding trials, selecting a squad and then going to a tournament stage. From there an overall Scottish squad is selected. "The likes of Erin Cuthbert have come through the system and it's really effective in finding talent." Billy and Stuart are infamously known to be found in far flung locations watching trial games in a bid to unearth the next hidden gem. And the pair have hailed their childhood friendship as the key to making their partnership work, which has now led to them bagging their awards. Billy said: "We've known each other since nursery. Tarbolton is like Coronation Street - everybody knows everybody. "It's one of those where we've been around each other since we could walk, pretty much. "We even carried the Commonwealth baton through the village back in 2014. Plus Stuart is my taxi, so I always need to get on with him!" Stuart, 39, who heads the United Women's Under 18s side, added: "I think it helps that we get on so well in and out of football. "When it comes to making decisions on players and selecting squads, it's important to have that level of trust and understanding. "There are definitely times we disagree on things and there's no doubt our job has become harder in that respect because the professionalism of the women's game is going through the roof. "Trials can be a hard process - you're taking more than 100 girls and getting them down to a squad of 16 or 18. It's not an easy process." Billy agreed: "The standard is improving all the time, which is great. "And yeah, there's times when we don't necessarily agree but that's where compromise comes in and it helps with our background away from football. "At the end of the day, we don't do these things for awards so it's nice to be recognised." Jim Bettley, President of the Scottish Schools' FA, said: "These guys give up their own time to come and help people play at the highest level they can. "Nothing has been too much trouble for them - they've excelled themselves in everything they do and are selfless. They are an example to everyone else. "Their friendship comes across in what they do. You can see how they interact and they take that attitude on to the pitch with them. Fun is always at the heart of it."
Daily Record
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Walking Football stars unite for memorial event as Ayr United Football Academy puts best foot forward
The event was a fitting memorial to former walking footballer John Clark. More than 60 players took part in the first John Clark Memorial Cup which the Ayr United Football Academy Walking Football programme held in conjunction with hosts Shoot Soccer in Ayr on Sunday, July 13, writes Scott Campbell. The event was held to mark the 10th anniversary of the walking football programme at United and was named in honour of friend and former player John. The group were delighted to have John's wife Ruth there to hand over the trophy and medals after eight teams made up of AUFA walking football regulars took part in a two-group tourney with league games before a knockout stage. Somerset Strollers came out on top after beating Parkhouse Plodders in the final, while Walking Deaders beat Tryfield Trotters in the consolation event final, after a fantastic day with the focus on fun and enjoyment as much as winning and losing. Players and friends enjoyed a social afternoon following the football, with a buffet and musical entertainment in the complex at Shoot. The Academy holds regular weekly walking football sessions at Shoot on Monday and Friday mornings plus Wednesday evenings, as well as a Tuesday evening session in Troon. A number of teams from the Academy have also regularly competed successfully in league and cup competitions throughout Scotland, the UK and abroad over the ten years of the programme, at various age levels from over 50 to over 70s.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Ayr United Football Academy showcase community work to local MP during visit
Elaine Stewart visited the United Football Academy to learn about some of their important ongoing community projects. The hard working Ayr United Football Academy have showcased some of their best community work to the local MP. Elaine Stewart, who represents Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock in Westminster, stopped by the Somerset Hub yesterday to learn about the Academy's Football for Life programme, which includes vital projects to tackle social isolation. The Football Academy recently received funding, through the National Lottery Community Fund, for their programme which aims to provide services to all in the community. An AUFA spokesperson said: "An important aspect of this is tackling social isolation, particularly among the older population. With that in mind, Elaine visited our Honest Men's Club, which is a drop in centre for local males. "We also have our Strollers that join after their morning walk. Elaine met with Academy Chairman, Allan Gunning, Head of Academy, David White, and Community Programme Manager, Stuart Watson, to discuss all the good work being carried out by Ayr United Football Academy in the local community. She then joined our Honest Men's Club for coffee and a cake. "The timing was perfect as Jim O'Neil, one of our long term Strollers and attendees of the Honest Men's Club, turned 90 years old and was presented with a birthday cake which was enjoyed by all! "Elaine spent a large amount of time talking with our participants and learning about their experiences and how the Football for Life programme has helped them." For more information about the Academy's Football for Life programme, email Julie at wellbeing@ or phone 01292 263435 (Option 2)
