Former Hibs superstar, Garry O’Connor, has launched his very own amateur football side in East Lothian with an aim of helping young people succeed in the game.
The Hibee legend will look to pass on his expertise and build upon the platform he has already created through his Garry O’Connor Football Academy that offers youth football sessions during school holidays.
Alongside club secretary, Grant Mackenzie, 31, are looking to build an entire club set-up from the ground up, whilst focusing on an over 18’s amateur side in the first instance to create an environment for young players to develop.
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O’Connor says that the project is about giving back to the community and giving young people a platform from which to build a career in football.
He said: “I’ve had many successes from my 1-2-1 sessions and Easter/summer camps.
“Now we are looking to enter the LEAFA league which will allow our players to perform and move onto bigger things whether it be at Junior East of Scotland level or beyond.
“It will be the first academy of its kind in East Lothian and it is exactly what is needed from the academy.
“I’ve had to learn from my mistakes, which is what I am all about, and I hope to pass on my experiences to show young players the level of commitment that is needed to progress in the game. Within football individuals can learn to better themselves.
“We are looking to bring in all different levels and age groups but at the moment we are starting from the top and working our way down. Our aim is to create a pathway for development.
“The academy is open to everyone who is committed and conducts themselves professionally. We will not hold on to players if bigger clubs become interested.
“We will advise them and help them to achieve their dreams. The academy will hopefully be the stepping stone for us to move forward and into a high standard. Our objective is to move up the leagues, whilst also working with our kids gives them hope.
“I feel this is an important project because there’s so much talent getting missed - especially with late developers.
“It’s a work in progress with a lot of hard work still to be put in. This is just the start of a journey and vision.
“We want to be successful to show the future kids teams that anything is possible.”
Club sec Grant added that the club is in a good position at the moment with a host of local sponsors.
But we definitely need more support to meet our ambitions.
He said: “It’s not easy to set up a team and the work has been going on for months behind the scenes.
“We really need sponsors to operate and in order to attract players with the proper facilities as well as to be able to coach them properly.
“We have done ok with investment so far but we will need more for facilities, refs, travel amongst equipment and other costs. So we would be grateful for anyone willing to back the project to get on board.”
The men’s team is still looking for players over the age of 18 and will have their first pre-season friendly this Sunday 29 May against Links Albion at Meadowmill 10:30am.
Those looking to get in touch with the club can do so via their Facebook or Twitter pages by following the attached links.
The academy will continue to deliver 1-2-1 sessions as well as Easter and Summer holiday football camps for young players aged five to 16.
