Monday 25 July saw the region’s second annual residential football camp kick off, for some of the most talented young footballers across Dumfries and Galloway, hosted at the Barony College.
The ‘Live Like a Pro’ camp was organised by our Council’s Football Development Team, in partnership with the Scottish Football Association and supported by Gates Power Transmission who provided funding towards the players kit.
The aim of the camp was to introduce talented players in Primary 6 and 7 to the type of environment that they would experience in the professional game. The three days included elite coaching, healthy meals and nutrition, overnight stays, and advice and guidance from specialists including physical trainers and other players and coaches on the professional pathway.
Ryan Muir, a Dumfries and Galloway resident, currently playing at Rangers, gave the 28 boys in attendance an insight into his training methods and expectations at Rangers.
Eddie Warwick from Queen of the South and Karen Robertson from Annan Athletic also delivered practical sessions, similar to those that professional players would receive at their respective clubs.
Young female players in the region were also given the opportunity to attend the camp for a day and were treated to a visit from current Celtic and Scotland international players, Megan Cunningham and Heather Richards who delivered a presentation on Diet and Nutrition, followed by a Question and Answer session to the group.
Chairman of Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning Committee, Jeff Leaver said;
“Our Council is committed to providing the best start in life for all our children and giving all our young people the opportunity to achieve their full potential. This camp is a great example of this. It was great to see the enthusiasm of all the players attending and I wish the boys and girls all the best for the future. Hopefully one day we will see some of these young people playing professional football.
It was also good to see the support of the programme via way of sponsorship from Gates Power Transmission, and my thanks go to them for their sponsorship”
Tesco Extra also supported the programme though support of fruit and healthy eating options via their Community Champions ambassador, Anne Croucher.
