Ayr academy joy as two babes step up to first team

Apr 23 2008 Ayrshire Post

AYR United youth academy staff are delighted after two of their stars featured in the big team’s 3-1 win at Queen’s Park.

Alastair Woodburn made his first start while Lloyd Kinnaird was a late sub.

Under-19s manager John McCaig said: “Both these boys deserve their chance as they have worked very hard this season and have without question the qualities to go to a higher level,”

Former academy youth player Kyle McAusland recently made his international debut at under-15 level in the double header against Belgium. The Cumnock lad spent three years with Ayr United, scoring over 100 goals, before joining Rangers at the start of the season.

Marc Dyer was on scoring form for United's under-14s, scoring all his side’s goals in their matches against Morton and Clyde.

He hit the only goal against Morton at Somerset Park, knocking in the rebound after a Cammy Marlow shot crashed back off the bar.

Then he scored all four against Clyde at Broadwood on Sunday.

The under-15s also got a run out at Somerset Park on Sunday against Queens’ Park.

Jo Maxwell hit an early penalty but despite Roddy Paterson’s awareness and movement creating a host of chances, the striker didn’t have his shooting boots on.

Queens equalised with an attempted cross that evaded keeper Chris Murchie and went in off the post.

The under-16s match against Queen’s Park at Lesser Hampden was postponed because of the Scottish Cup semi final and re-scheduled for Tuesday this week.

The under-19s lost 7-0 to high flying Queen’s Park, undoing the good work they had done in the previous two matches.

Sunday’s fixtures: Under 14: v Livingston (h); Under 15: v Clyde (a); Under 16: v St Johnstone (h).

A new season of coaching classes kicks off this week, run by the Ayr United Football development team.

Courses are for boys and girls of all ages with each one hour session costing as little as £2.20 at the Citadel, Coylton, Muirhead, Tarbolton, Mossblown and Dundonald Activity Centres, with the 90-minute Saturday morning session at Pro-Soccer, Whitletts, costing £3.50.

All courses will be taken by fully qualified community coaches. Details from www.aufa.org.uk or from Shaun Ferrie (tel: 01292 263435).