Ayr United youths are back

Aug 8 2008

AYR United youth academy teams kick off in their respective Scottish Youth Leagues this weekend.

Ninteen teams have entered the SFL Under 19 Youth League with United given a difficult baptism against Queen's Park at Carrick Academy, Maybole. The Hampden youngsters step up a level after winning the under 17 league last season.

However, the Academy youngsters go into the campaign full of optimism after a good pre-season which saw them lose narrowly to juniors Girvan and Annbank while coming out on top in an impressive display against Stranraer Reserves.

Coach John McCaig has stepped down following a family bereavement while Billy McKie decided to move on. Malky Boyle has been brought in as coach while head of youth development Mark Shanks will take temporary charge until a new replacement is found.

The under 17s take on Montrose on their artificial surface at Links Park in their first game in a 20 club league. Manager John Stewart will be assisted by coaches Stephen Ferguson, Jamie McCaig and Peter Stewart.

John Stewart has been appointed as the new assistant head of youth development to assist Mark Shanks. John has a long history in youth development football with both Glenafton Athletic, where he led two teams to the Scottish Cup final, and Ayr United. John will formally take up the new post once a new manager is found for the Academy's under 17 side.

The Academy will again this season run three teams in the SFA Youth Initiative at under 14, 15 and 16 level.