A Kirkcudbright Academy pupil has been selected for one the country’s top under-17 rugby squads.
Matthew Hind earned his spot after impressing Glasgow and the West Academy FOSROC selectors.
The 16-year-old, from Gatehouse, was one of approximately 250 boys invited to trial at the academy’s regional sports facility at Ravenscraig in February.
The number of players was reduced gradually over the following weeks and with every cut, competition to gain a place increased.
Travelling from Gatehouse of Fleet to Motherwell twice or thrice a week is a massive commitment not just for Matthew but for the whole family.
Matthew’s mum Susan said: “Sometimes we would leave home at 6.30am to be at training sessions which also meant juggling work commitments.
“He has worked extremely hard and is delighted to have earned his place in the under-17s Glasgow and The West Academy FOSROC squad.”
Matthew started playing rugby aged six at Stewartry RFC minis and now plays with Stewartry and Galloway under-18s.
“He is enjoying the challenges the academy set. So far he has played against teams from the Borders and the far north of Scotland as well as Newcastle Falcons.”
