Ayr United academy have new head

Sep 18 2009 by Mike Wilson

DAVID WHITE is the new head of youth development for the Ayr United Football Academy.

He succeeds Mark Shanks who has resigned along with his assistant John Stewart who recently took up a coaching role with Glenafton Athletic.

Academy chairman Ian Welsh said: “Davie has a wealth of experience, having come through a youth development programme at Kilmarnock and having played junior football, primarily with Cumnock.

"He has been our football development officer, running our community programme for the past three years which has proved to be very successful. I am sure our youth development programme will continue to develop apace and that our talented young footballers will be given every chance to impress in their desire to earn a professional contract with Ayr United under his stewardship.”

White said: “My priority will continue to be coach and player focused to develop the best possible talent, continuing all the good work that has gone on previously. Our goal will be to get the best possible players and give them the opportunity to get them into the first team at the club.

"I’ve already discussed issues with manager Brian Reid and 10 young players have been called up into Ayr United’s squad for this week's Reserve League Cup tie.”

Shanks, who spent two years at the helm, said: “United are very close to my heart and I was delighted to play my part in the development of the Academy and its young players. To run a successful youth development programme takes up a lot of time and can consume a large part of your life, especially on a voluntary basis, but I have enjoyed my time and believe that I have left it in very good shape with some very talented young players coming through the ranks.”

Meanwhile, under 15 coach Steven MacKay was impressed by his side’s display against Alloa. He said: “After a slow start, we played very well as a team. We challenged the boys to play at the level they can for the full 90 minutes.”

United dominated the second and third periods and some excellent attacking play led to goals for Griffin, Shankland, Rowe and Robertson.

The under 14s dominated from start to finish against Elgin City at Perth. Coach Neil Duffy said: “Conditions made it difficult but the players turned in a strong team performance with a very good work ethic and good passing play.”

Ayr scored through Liam Anderson (2), Jason Filippi (2), Michael Wardrope (2) and Ryan Nisbett, with the pick of the goals a dazzling solo effort from Wardrope and a superb intricate passing move involving four players that was finished off by Filippi.

In the Ayr United Football Academy girls under 11, the ‘B’ group played out a 15 goal thriller against Prestwick.

Caitlin Taylor scored four but the pick of the bunch came from a thumping drive from Taylor that crashed off the crossbar and was finished off by Roisin Hiddleston. Hiddleston grabbed a second while Chloe Strang was rewarded for a strong midfield display with a couple. Robyn Dickie’s excellent performance on the wing also brought a goal.

Coach Paul MacFarlane said: “Chloe Strang gave a wonderful hardworking display in midfield, while Aimee Fulton did particularly well in the second half as the players grew in confidence.

“Defensively the girls need to do some work but in the second half Alyssa Pollock made some very telling tackles while keeper Jodie Johnston had some excellent saves.”