The Queen’s Park Academy is knocking on the door of the Scotland under-15 team after six youngsters from the same squad were invited to selection trials for the National team.
Jackson Barr, Cody Crichton, Joe Lafferty, Michael Gibson, Jamie McCarthy and Charlie Watt, who are all part of this season’s under-14’s, will get their chance to secure a Dark Blue jersey for next season later this month.
The sextet have the chance to copy Cameron Bruce and Lennon Connolly who were successful in Scotland trials at under-15’s five years ago with their coach Ryan McSherry saying: “It is tremendous recognition for the Queen’s Park Academy and whilst it is great that six have been invited there could have been more. The six boys should be pleased with the recognition for the hard work they have put in so far, however they must use this as a springboard to keep developing all aspects of their game.
“Everyone at the Academy is proud of them for being selected and hopefully they will go on to make the full squad. There are going to be four training centres across the country, so it will not be easy, but they can be confident amongst their peer group as they have competed well in every game this season against Scottish and English opposition.”
Ryan reckons that the selection for national trials is a boost for every player within The Queen’s Park Academy as he explained: “This is the first year of a new approach which is seeing players selected for trials now as opposed to when their under-15 season starts. We did not know when scouts were coming to our games, and neither did the players, so it shows everyone the value of playing well in every game as you never know who is watching.
“It is also motivational, especially for the players younger than under-14 as it shows them what is possible. The Queen’s Park Academy is back in the national conversation after a few years and our players are knocking on the door again.”
Academy Director Tommy McIntyre endorsed the selections by saying: “This is the beginning of recognition for the Academy at Queen’s Park Football Club since it was restructured and hopefully many more opportunities will come. It is recognition for not only the players but their teammates, coaching staff and support staff within the Academy.
“It highlights the progress and recognises the strides that we are taking to develop not only the player but the person within the Academy. Talent is nothing without opportunity and it will be an honour and a great experience for our players to represent our club within this elite peer group environment. We wish them the very best of luck.”
Club President Graeme Shields said: “When the Club turned professional in 2019 one important factor was to develop and retain our own players. It’s great to see the Club developing such great young players and I look forward to seeing their progression in the future along our pathway.”
