Published: Thursday, 13th March, 2008 12:00
Boys club driving to succeed
By Frank Cassidy
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THE youngest team from Barrhead Boys Club has secured one of the best ever sponsorship deals.
Transport firm, Gordon Leslie from Hillington, have boosted the coffers of the under-7s and under-8s to the tune of £3,000 in a superb generous gesture.
And the players posed in front of three of the firm’s vehicles when our photographer called into their training night last week at the high school.
They were modelling their brand new kit that was bought with the money that Gordon Leslie donated, before the shirts are sent to get the company’s name printed on them.
Another scoop for the team was the recruitment of an ex-professional player to the coaching staff when Davie Elliot joined the club.
Davie played for Queen’s Park and was a member of the Pollok team that won the 1997 Scottish Cup, playing for them in two spells, as he did with Largs Thistle.
Barry Lemke, coach of the group, is proud of the progress that they have made since they started up with a handful of young footballers and no money.
He said: “We now have 50 coming along to our training nights on a Tuesday at St Luke’s and Barrhead High on a Thursday and they are all excited about the new strips.
“The enthusiasm of the squad is fantastic and you can see the talent shining through as they pick up more and more from the coaches, including Davie.”
One team plays in the ERSDA (East Renfrewshire Soccer Development Association) four-a-side league, while the others play sevens in the Johnstone and District League.
At present, the matches are non-competitive and remain so until aged 14, but before then Barry and his coaching colleagues are working hard — with lots of support.
He said: “Many of the parents come along as volunteers and are a great help at the training and getting involved during our games at Netherlee and Lochwinnoch.
“There is also great backing from the SFA and our aim is to keep improving our standards and eventually reaching the target of Level Two.”
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