C'mon the young Maroons!

There are a group of local boys making history. Keith FC have their first ever Under 13s team, who are playing in the Moray Firth Youth League (MFYL) (East) in the 2018/19 season.

There were well attended trials around the end of June where players were selected to form an Under 13 squad. The squad for 2018/19 is: Charlie Anderson (Rothes), Jon Brown, Brandon Cameron (Dufftown), Riley Crocket, Ross Dalgarno, Sonny Dalgarno, Jayden Davie, Ethan Diver, Ben Fettes, Lewis Grant, Ryan Hendry, Junior Logan, Lewie McKenzie, Calum Macpherson, Jake Morison, William Morison, Dylan Robertson, Finlay Ross, Lucas Simpson, Tyler Simpson and Danny Thomson. (Players are from Keith unless stated otherwise.)

The coaches are Dod Simmers, George Milton, Scott McKenzie and Jane McKenzie, who are being challenged with the task of preparing the players in making the transition from 7 aside to 11 aside. They are delighted to be able to train and play their home matches at Simpson Park. 

Training started in August in preparation for playing against Elgin City, Forres Mechanics, Lossiemouth, Strathspey Rovers and Rothes in home and away fixtures. They also have home and away fixtures against Nairn County up until the end of December 2018.  In 2019 the format has not been finalised but may involve playing against teams from the MFYL (West) which includes Alness United, Caithness United, Dingwall, DoSoccer, Fort William, Inverness Clach and Nairn County. They have played pre-season friendlies against Donside U14s and Formartine U13s.

MFYL is a friendly development league with the purpose of giving youngsters the chance to develop their skills and abilities without the pressures of winning. The emphasis is on performance rather than results. The coaches’ main aim is the long term development of each player allowing them to not only improve their physical technique and skills but also to develop their ability and confidence in making their own choices in a game situation.

The players and coaches are amazed at the local financial support they have received. They have received £1000 from the Tesco blue token appeal which was voted for by Tesco customers. Simmers Contract Ltd are the strip sponsors which can be seen being presented by Symon Simmers. Keith Builders Merchants Ltd are the warm up/substitute rain jackets which can be seen being presented by Jeff Smith. They are also grateful for the 2018/19 match ball sponsor, Ian Michie and also to Meg and Dodie Simmers for purchasing the training footballs.

Not only have they been appreciative of this generosity but at their first pre-season friendly against Donside U14s at Simpson Park there were over 100 spectators which made for a fantastic atmosphere! 

C’mon the young maroons!