And after making it to the regional finals of the competition and impressing the coaches with his positive attitude, Pollock was selected as Player of the Year for the East Renfrew area.

The 15-year-old joined 14 other players from across the nation to collect his award from Scotland international Snodgrass, as well as having the chance to train in the shadows of Ibrox Stadium before watching Gordon Strachan’s side beat Georgia 1-0 – all of which left Pollock pinching himself in amazement.

“I never expected to win this award, I originally got involved with the Midnight League to play football and have fun with my friends, so to get selected and win is amazing,” said Pollock, who attends Barrhead High School.

“I got involved with the Midnight League by chance, one day I went to the park and was asked if I wanted to join in and I haven’t looked back since.

“The Midnight League has helped to develop my game as I’m playing a lot more football, training and improving, but also I’m meeting new people and becoming more confident.

“I’m a Rangers fan so it’s a surreal experience to play in front of Ibrox, it’s somewhere I’m used to seeing on the television so to be here is special and something I will always remember.

“I don’t think I’ll meet someone like Robert Snodgrass again, I never expected to see him here and it’s amazing to see a professional footballer supporting and encouraging the Midnight League and players like myself.

“I’ll take on board everything he said, especially with regards to improving my control and touch as it has big an impact on performance and I want to improve and keep getting better as a player.” And Snodgrass believes the chance to see the youngsters taking part in the game was a special experience and one that is invaluable for the country.

He said: “I remember playing on the same pitch as these youngsters when I was coming up.

“Back then we didn’t have something like the Midnight Leagues where we could play in a safe environment.

“I think it’s amazing for the game because it gets kids playing but it’s also great for their communities.

“Not every kid will have the chance to play football professionally but the game is about more than that and they are learning that here.

“And anything I can do to help them develop as players and as people is something that is really rewarding.” The Midnight League offers a network of free five-a-side football to youngsters across Scotland to help keep them off the streets.

The Bank of Scotland Midnight League Player of the Year event took place at Ibrox Community Complex on Saturday, October 11. Players were selected to attend from across Scotland for their outstanding contribution to the Bank of Scotland Midnight League programme throughout 2014.