Dundee’s next generation of football stars have been hailed for their hard work and dedication after being crowned Scottish Champions.
Dundee Primary Schools Select, two teams made up of around 20 local youngsters, took top prize at the 2018 Scottish Championships for the first time in more a decade.
The group faced off against eight other teams split into four districts from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth and Kinross, and East Ayrshire.
Mark Brash and Justin Mulholland, active school coordinators who helped coach the team to victory, said they were “over the moon” with the result.
Mr Brash said: “The boys really are the star of the show and their attitude over the three events really was fantastic.”
“It was a great team effort by the boys. Going into the final day of the competition, there was only one point in it but we went on to finish six points ahead.
“They kept going right to the end and I think they deserve a lot of credit for that.
“Everyone was fantastic throughout and there wasn’t a single grumble when the teams were being rotated through the games.
“These boys really are a credit to the city and a credit to their schools.”
Grenville Dawson, Dundee representative of the Scottish Schools Association said: “This is the first time the team has won since the change to seven-a-side was brought in.
“The quality of football on display was very good and we were consistent all the way through – I think that’s really what carried us to victory.
“We’ve always done well at the competition but to go on and win it really is a great achievement.”
Schools from across Dundee put forward their most exceptional young footballers, with a number already turning out for the youth teams of Dundee and Dundee United respectively.
Neil Lowden, head teacher of St Francis Primary School, said: “I would like to thank the Active School team for all the hard work they put in, I know the boys really appreciated it.
“A huge congratulations to the winning team, they showed a lot of determination and it’s great to see them become champions.”
