Parents help boys into football

Jul 8 2011 by Iain Howie, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A PAIR of football-loving Perth boys scouted by an SFL side have a lot to thank their parents for.

Kyle Green (9) and Darren Spence (10) were picked out during a match between their former team side Jeanfield and a Falkirk side last year.

The manager of the Falkirk Youth Pros approached their parents and after trials has signed them up for the Stirlingshire side’s youth squads.

But it was Kyle and Darren’s parents, Pauline and Keith Spence and Jason Green and Susie McGregor, who helped them get into football, with Keith and Jason working with others to set up a Jeanfield side for their under nines age group a few years ago.

The side went on to major success competing against sides from Fife and emerged unbeaten this season.

Rangers fan Darren, who is targeting a future in football, said the contract with Falkirk and the prospect of playing against teams from Hearts, Rangers and Celtic in the coming season was “exciting”.

And Saints fan Kyle, who plays centre, is also aiming for the top, with his ambition to play for Chelsea.

Pauline told the PA: “Keith, Jason and Greg decided to set up the side after seeing youngsters playing at McDiarmid. The idea was to have fun and make it enjoyable, but it also worked on the basis of nurturing talent and providing an outlet for them.

“The side was very successful and won every match. Although Kyle and Darren have left the side’s still going strong.

“We’re all really pleased and very proud. When the approach by Falkirk was made we were really pleased for the boys, it’s an excellent achievement.”

The boys will go into pre-season training soon ahead of the new season starting next month.