Rangers and Scotland hero puts local lads through their paces

TWO lucky local lads were delighted to get a training session from former Scotland and Rangers hero Davie Weir.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Nov 2012, 13:38 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

The defensive rock gave Twechar’s Ross McClement a coaching session he will never forget at Hampden Park.

The 12-year-old, along with fellow Kirkintilloch High pupil Kieran McCormick, was one of 16 children taking part at the home of the Scotland national side.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was a reward for showing maturity, respect to others and adhering to the positive lifestyle habits asked for by Scottish FA coaches.

The Bank of Scotland Midnight League is a national network of five-a-side football, run at sports centres on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Former Twechar Primary pupil Ross McClement said the chance to meet one of his idols was a dream come true.

He added: “We went for a training session on Lesser Hampden which was great and then we went through the museum and met David Weir which was fantastic.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“His training session was brilliant. He went through passing sessions and skills, how to control the ball, then we finished with a game.

“I’m a Rangers fan so he’s one of my idols. I’ve got a season ticket so I got to see him quite often.

“I was committed to the Midnight League every week, that’s why I think I was nominated, and I want to continue doing it. I really enjoy it.”

Run in partnership with the SFA, the Midnight League is free to girls and boys aged 12-16. SFA coaches run the sessions and each year more than 6,000 young people play at over 90 venues across every local authority in Scotland.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Weir, who won 69 caps for Scotland, said: “It’s nice seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces.

“I’ve been involved at the other end where it’s all about results. It’s good for me to see the other side of it, and the sacrifices and the efforts people make to get a game of football. We need to get as many people playing football as we can, whatever the circumstance. It’s very important. It’s our national sport and it shows how much we love it, and how much it means to us.”

* Bank of Scotland Midnight League is a free community football programme delivered across all 32 local authorities in Scotland, aimed at boys and girls aged 12-16.

Visit www.scottishfa.co.uk/midnightleague

* Have you got a story, picture or comment? E-mail [email protected]

Alternatively you can call the newsdesk 0141 775 0040, find us on Facebook or visit us on Twitter

Or you can log in below and have you say on the site...

Related topics:RangersScotlandHampden ParkScottish FA