Scotland’s impressive football talent isn’t just built on the backs of their current senior squad players but also thanks to the development and support from grassroots programs like the SFA Performance School.
A recent example of this is Max Johnston, who recently came on to replace Billy Gilmour during Scotland’s narrow victory in the UEFA Nations League play-off against Greece.
Both players are alumni of the SFA Performance School, which has helped shape and support many future stars of Scottish football, including Johnston, Gilmour, and several members of the under-17 squad who are making waves at their current level.
SFA Performance School: The Starting Point for Scotland’s Talented Footballers
The SFA Performance School program, which has been running since 2012, has been crucial in nurturing the next generation of football talent in Scotland.
This initiative allows promising boys and girls to receive top-tier coaching during regular school hours at selected schools around Scotland, including Hazelhead Academy in Aberdeen, St John’s RC High in Dundee, and Broughton High in Edinburgh.
The program is designed to give these young athletes the best possible start to their football careers, and its success is evident in the growing list of graduates who have gone on to achieve great things, both at the club and international level.
The Success of the Under-17s and Their Bright Future
The recent victory for the Scotland Under-17 team in the European Championship, where they defeated Romania 2-0, highlights the fruits of the SFA Performance School program.
Under the guidance of head coach Brian McLaughlin, who also manages the Performance Schools, the team is showing a lot of promise.
McLaughlin, who has seen firsthand the impact of the program, believes that Scotland’s football future is looking bright with this generation.
The team’s upcoming match against Liechtenstein could seal their successful campaign, continuing the momentum from their previous impressive performance.
Creating Connections and Supporting Growth in Scottish Football
McLaughlin emphasizes the importance of building strong connections with young players from an early age.
“When I walked into the A squad, I was coming with three or four performance school graduates, and the first person who comes over is Billy Gilmour, then Max comes over,” he recalls.
The success of graduates like Gilmour and Johnston is proof that the program isn’t just about developing talented players but also creating a strong community where older graduates help guide the younger ones.
There’s even another Gilmour connection: Harvey, Billy’s younger brother, is now a coach in the program, helping select future players and offering mentorship to the next wave of talent.
The Path from Performance Schools to the A Team
The SFA Performance Schools have seen impressive results, with several graduates breaking into the senior Scotland squad, including Gilmour, Johnston, and Nathan Patterson.
The under-21 squad also looks promising with players like Ryan One, Bailey Rice, and Bobby Wales gaining attention for their performances at club level.
The under-19s and under-17s are also filled with graduates of the program, showcasing the continued success of McLaughlin and his team.
“The figures underline that we are doing a lot of good work in the background,” says McLaughlin, reflecting on the positive results of the program.
The Importance of Physicality and Technique in Youth Development
One notable difference in the current crop of under-17s is their size and physical development.
With many of these players starting full-time training from a young age, they’ve built a physicality that allows them to compete against tough opposition, such as Romania.
However, there’s still a place for the smaller, more technically gifted players.
Aiden McCallion, a standout midfielder, and Alexander Smith, a quick and agile player, both fit this mold.
Their ability to combine technical skill with a strong understanding of the game makes them exciting prospects for the future.
Parental Commitment and Support Behind the Success
Behind every success story in football, there’s often a supportive family, and this is certainly true for the young stars coming through the SFA Performance Schools.
McCallion’s father, Stuart, who played for Ayr and Kilmarnock, has been a constant source of support, encouraging his son to pursue his football dreams.
Similarly, Zander McAllister, who followed in his sister’s footsteps to play for Scotland, also has parents who have dedicated their time and energy to helping him succeed.
Stuart McAllister, Zander’s father, speaks of the commitment the family has made: “We try to coincide our holidays with their trips to play abroad, and we have loved that.”
A Ray of Hope for Scottish Football’s Future
While there have been criticisms of Scotland’s youth development pathway in the past, the success of the SFA Performance Schools program provides hope for the future.
As more players come through the ranks, it’s clear that the future of Scottish football is in good hands.
The recent success of the under-17s and their ongoing development through programs like the Performance Schools shows that the future looks bright for Scotland’s national teams.