Borders Soccer Academy
Formed 1999

Background

The Borders Soccer Academy was formed in May 1999. The main aim of the Academy was to provide an environment where talented Borders Youth Footballers would be coached by an approximately qualified coaching staff. Sixteen players were originally selected and were to come in on a weekly basis to Gala Fairydean Football Club to receive specialised coaching.

Aims And Objectives

The aims and objectives of the Academy were to:

• Create new squads on an annual basis.
• The Academy would educate the youngsters on the technical and tactical aspects of the game.
• Provide education on diet and nutrition and physical fitness preparation for matches.
• Players would go on to develop there full potential and play at the highest level possible.
• Players and parents would be invited to parents evenings to find out progress and discuss individual player development.

Success Stories

During the four years there have been many success stories of players and coaching alike:

• Liam Craig represented Scottish Schoolboys in 2001 and has gone on to sign three-year YT contract at Ipswich Town Football Club.
• Steven Notman who was from the original squad from 1999 has signed two-year deal with Hibernian Football Club.
• Mark Burke represented Scottish Schoolboys in 2002.
• Stuart Leslie and Douglas Brydon both respresented SYFA National Squad in 2002.
• No fewer than 15 players playing in Scottish Initiative SPL or SFL clubs.
• Dougie Anderson, Head Coach 1999 went on to be employed by Scottish Football Association as Football Development Officer for the Borders.
• Scott Lumsden attained SFA Goalkeeping Licence 2002.
• Drew Kelly attained his Youth Licence in 2003.
• Dougie Anderson was SFA Coaches Association South East Coach of the Year in 1999.
• Drew Kelly was SFA Coaches Association South East Coach of the Year in 2000.
• Dougie Anderson was Ettrick & Lauderdale Coach of the Year in 2000.
• Garry Fraser was Ettrick & Lauderdale Junior Coach of the Year in 2000 and also attained the Scottish Borders Junior Coach of the Year.
• Scott Lumsden was Ettrick & Lauderdale Junior Coach of the Year in 2001 and also attained the Scottish Borders Junior Coach of the Year.
• Scott Weir was Ettrick & Lauderdale Junior Coach of the Year in 2002.
• Fred Blackie was SALSC/Service to Local Sport Award winner in 2001.

Office Bearers

Chairman: Drew Kelly

Vice-Chairman: William Berry

Secretary: Mark Forsyth

Treasurer: Graham Denholm

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