With a return to football approaching in the upcoming weeks, we thought we would give all our supporters an update on the latest events from our playing side and our Youth Academy.
I hope everyone has been keeping safe and well through the last few months. It’s been very difficult for all of us, but hopefully we can get back to enjoying our football again!
Return to football
It’s the question that everybody wants answered – when will we get back playing football again?
Hopefully, a return to football isn’t too far away – especially for the younger age categories.
We received some encouraging news from the SFA Coronavirus Joint Response Group recently. Age groups of 17 and under can now resume training in groups of no more than 10 players and two coaches, so each age group are discussing how best to return and will be communicating that to the parents shortly. For now, due to restrictions on facilities, all children will have to arrive at sessions with their own refreshments & ready to train and then go home without changing or washing facilities, but that will be communicated as well.
The current expectation within youth football is that matches will return in September. These are only indicative dates for now, but they will hopefully be confirmed in line with Scottish Government advice. We will keep everyone updated accordingly on the website & our social media channels, and the SFA regularly update their advice on their “Return to Football Hub.“
Senior Team join Scottish Football Pyramid
Troon Football Club are no longer a “Junior” side, as they have moved in to the brand new West of Scotland Football League for the upcoming season, as part of the Scottish Football Pyramid.
Thanks to our success last season, Troon start life in the 20 team West of Scotland Premier Division next season, all fighting for a promotion spot into the Lowland League & the senior Scottish Cup.
Exciting times to be a part of the club!
Season Tickets
All of the children (and coaches) in the Troon F.C. Youth Academy will be receiving FREE Season Tickets for the senior team for the forthcoming season, as the club moves into the new West of Scotland Football League as part of the Scottish football pyramid. The season tickets will also permit you access to the Development Team league matches on a Friday night as well, so we hope you head along and give them your support!
Academy Fundraising
The coaches of our 2011 side, Darren Sneddon and Stuart McCormack, are embarking on a summer fundraiser to generate funds for the whole Youth Academy.
Their challenge is to run an amazing 42 kilometres (a complete marathon) and they are trying to raise £1000 for the kids in the Academy to benefit from.
This is pure & simple dedication from our coaches to our Youth players: from mini kickers all the way to our development team, Darren and Stuart are doing this in order to create a comfortable Academy experience from our youngest player to the oldest player.
When you take a child to a new activity, and the equipment is already there and ready for them to use, that helps them develop vital skill sets to progress in their youth years. It’s fundraisers like this that provide that essential equipment; and in this instance, it’s literally attained with blood sweat & tears (and I’m sure our marathon coaches will agree!)
The link to donate to this amazing effort is HERE
Development Team (2001) update
Our new-look 2001 team have progressed to compete in the “Lowland Development League (West)” for the upcoming season, in Conference C. The games will take place on a Friday night, often at Marr Playing Fields and sometimes at Portland Park.
A new Head Coach is currently being recruited.
Under 19s Team (2003) update
Our excellent 2003 Team, who competed in the West of Scotland Youth Football League Under 17s last term, have progressed to compete in the “West of Scotland Youth Football League Under 19s” for the upcoming season.
A new Head Coach is currently in the process of being appointed.
Under 17s Team (2004) update
Our 2004 Team have progressed to compete in the “West of Scotland Youth Football League Under 17s” for the upcoming season.
With our coaching staff departing to take up positions at Irvine Meadow for next season, we are delighted to introduce Jim Catterson as the new Head Coach for the new season.
2011 Team update
Our 2011 Team have progressed to compete in the “West of Scotland Youth Football League 2011s” for the upcoming season, under Head Coach Darren Sneddon.
2013 Team update
Our 2013 Team have progressed to compete in the “West of Scotland Youth Football League 2013s” for the upcoming season, under the Head Coach Russell Smith.
2015 Team update
Our 2015 Team have progressed to compete in the “West of Scotland Youth Football League 2015s” for the upcoming season, under the Head Coach Evan Martin.
Troon Academicals Team update
Troon Academicals have confirmed they will be competing in the IFA Scotland League next season once again.
After an unbelievable clean sweep of titles in their 10th Anniversary season of 2018-19, they had a season of transition last time out before the league was suspended, but with four treble winners returning to their squad for the new season the title is very much their target again next season.
Can’t wait to get started!
I’m sure, like me, you can’t wait to get the new season started with all the great work we have highlighted, but I’m sure it’ll be on us before we know it. In the meantime, stay safe and well and we look forward to welcoming you all back to Portland Park in due course.
Jimmy Kirkwood
Manager, Troon Football Club