OVER 90 of the best young footballers from across the Borders took part in a special training session run by some of the country’s most experienced coaches as part of the Borders Sport and Leisure Advanced Player Development Squad. The session, held at the 3G arena in Galashiels on February 21, was delivered by Alan White (Hearts FC Community Trust) and Aidan Forbes (Scottish FA Development Squad Coach).

It was the first guest coaching session to take place as part of the BSLT Advanced Player Development Squad programme and the young players received training based around individual player development and featuring the techniques used at top Scottish Premier Clubs. Borders Sport and Leisure football coaches also attended and received mentoring from the guest coaches.

Alan White, Hearts FC Community Trust Football Development Coach, said: “It’s great to see a programme that gives the talented players in the Scottish Borders a chance to develop their skills. They were a great group to work with and I’m looking forward to hopefully getting the chance to come back and work with them again.” And Aidan Forbes, Scottish FA Regional Development Goalkeeping Coach, added: “I was really impressed with the standard of the players and their attitude and focus was excellent. From what I see the future of goalkeeping in the Scottish Borders will be in safe hands.” The Advanced Player Development Squad was established by Borders Sport and Leisure to provide top football development opportunities for talented young players in the region. Paul Ross, parent of a young Ancrum player, said: “The guest coaches were fantastic with the kids and they really enjoyed this addition to what is already a great programme. My son looks forward to every Friday night session and is really benefitting from the programme.” Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive of Borders Sport and Leisure, concluded: “The 3G session was just the first of a number of specialist training and guest coaching events we have planned for the squad as part of their on-going development.”