Blackburn United under-17s are one step away from national glory as they compete in the Scottish Cup final on Sunday.
The Burnie boys take on Thorn Athletic at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie – kick-off 5pm –having already written their name in the club’s history. But now they are hoping to go all the way and be crowned national champions.
It’s just rewards for a remarkable couple of years for the side which has seen them clinch trophy after trophy at regional level. Now they are aiming to add a national trophy to the cabinet.
Coach Gavin Wallace spoke to The Courier about his pride for the players and how the local community
have rallied behind them for their big day.
He said: “It’s going to be a tough game and everyone makes them favourites, but we don’t have a problem with that. The demand for tickets has been incredible and it just shows the support that the guys have from the local area.
“They deserve it. The guys absolutely deserve it. They have come through some very tough ties and been really tested, but we can go into this game feeling confident.”
Wallace is looking forward to seeing the boys get some great backing as the fans are set to make the trip to Airdrie in huge numbers, adding: "There are three buses going and there will be plenty more travelling through in cars or getting the train. It’s going to be a great occasion for the boys and there is a huge amount of pride from the coaching staff in them.”
He added: “The committee deserve a huge amount of credit as well because they put in so many hours and hard work. The club wouldn’t be what it is and these boys wouldn’t have the chance to experience this if it wasn’t for them.”
The club’s preparations were given a boost by Airdrieonians player-manager and West Lothian lad Rhys McCabe who invited the team down for a training session at the stadium.
Wallace was delighted with the offer and said it was a great experience for the boys, commenting: “That was brilliant from Rhys and Airdrie and it was a great for the boys.
“Just something as simple as now knowing where you turn when you walk in the stadium takes a wee bit of the pressure and nerves away. Rhys was great and gave a few tips and spoke to the boys.”
United’s Coaching Development Officer, Brian Smillie, added: “We’re incredibly proud of the players. To be the first Blackburn United team to reach a Scottish Cup final is an incredible achievement.
“We want to be seen as a real community club that’s for the community and to have so many of the guys in this team having been with the club for years speaks volumes to that and what we’re trying to achieve.
“The club and the local community will all be right behind them on Sunday.”
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