How long have you been with the club and can you give a description of your role with Stirling Albion?
I was invited by Andy Gould to join the ’new’ Stirling Albion FC Youth Development Scheme in 1997 -98 and started coaching an Under 14 team with Andy which contained players such as David O’Brien, Jinky Wilson and Iain Turner. We lost our first game to Hearts by 15 -0 but by the end of the season we had improved enough to earn a draw against them. By the time they were playing Under 18 they won the SFL Youth League Cup.

In 2001 -02, I took over from Ray Ross as Youth Development Co-ordinator. I am responsible for the running of the Youth Programme – for recruiting players, coaching staff, physios etc. I have to liaise with the SFA and SFL regarding their strict criteria for participation and with the help of Paul Henny arrange fixtures. Arranging training and playing facilities, coach hire and of course the much needed fund raising activities is also my responsibility. I am the Club Child Protection Officer and link with the manager regarding the progress of players towards first team level. Often, on a Sunday I will attend three games. Currently I am developing my computing skills to be able to analyse team performances having captured the evidence from film.

Stewart Taylor

How are all the youth teams getting on this season?
We have a limited budget but have once again made good progress with our four teams. The Under 14 team, which Mark McNally helps with when he can is coached by Ian McConnell and Graham Watson and they have made great progress from August last year. As a ‘new ‘team coming in against established teams it is a steep learning curve in the YDI and although results are not the ultimate aim the players have had to work hard to develop enough to be competitive.

The 16’s are coached by former player Blair Cremin and have continued their progress. We recruited a number of new signings this season and the whole team is doing very well. We are hopeful that there are a good few players from this team who will go all the way.

The 17’s are coached by Ally Breton and Murray Faulkner and have had a difficult season in terms of results. Over the next few weeks these players have to convince us that they are good enough to progress up to the 19’s team. There are some with great potential.

The 19’s are under the charge of former Binos player Graham Donald and Dave Binnie who joined us originally in 2001. The team have played in a very competitive SFL Youth Division with 22 teams. They are currently sitting third as the League fixtures conclude. Players and coaches have set their sights on a good League Cup run and will try to win the trophy the Youth team won in 2002.

I believe that there are a number of players ready to try to make the breakthrough although circumstances with the first team’s situation make it difficult at the moment.
One of our Under 17 players, Greg Munn and three of the 19’s are in the Scottish Schoolboy squad. Don Morrison, Magnus Neilson and Liam Corr who is captain have done the club proud with their selection.

Liam Corr made his debut for the first team against Livingston, proud moment?
Liam has been with us for five seasons so, yes, everyone who has been involved with this youngster was proud that he was given a debut recently. Those who have worked with him predicted that he could make it to first team level. He has to try now to establish himself if given the chance. He has the correct attitude so fingers crossed for him.

Have you spoken with Allan Moore about any other youth players getting a chance in the first team before end of season, and which players?
Allan and Mark have had a difficult season and I certainly would not add pressure by trying to persuade them that we have young players who might be worth a try. We speak most Tuesday’s and Thursday’s and given the right circumstances I’m sure that he will give the boys a chance. Liam Corr and youth keeper Daniel Cawley have been given the chance to train with the first team and most weeks Allan will invite one or two Youth players to join in training with the first team squad. Not having a Reserve team makes it harder for the youngsters to make the breakthrough. Over the next few weeks I am hoping that Allan will see a bit more of the team in League Cup games to cast his eye over them and show his interest in their progress.

How hard is it to keep the youth teams running with a limited budget?
In a word – MURDER! We are constantly working on fundraising events throughout the year and need the support of friends like Diageo Brand Technical Centre and other smaller sponsors to survive. We have an active fundraising committee who never stop and we are well supported by parents. Meeting the strict criteria laid down by the SFA brings us a Grant Award which is considerable but hard to achieve. The chairman has supported us for many years but the costs are vast so now we have to fund our programme independently. I would love to re-establish the Youth Training Scheme and develop into girls’ football but at the moment the costs make that something for the future.

Who is the best young player you have seen in your time at the club?
In terms of producing first team players the scheme has been fantastically successful. The list of first team players from the Youth ranks is considerable. Notable would be Alex Williams, Gareth Munro, Iain Turner, Jinky Wilson, David O’Brien, Paul Nugent, Stewart Devine, Sean Roycroft, Scott Christie and Nathan Taggart. (Sorry if I missed anyone out!!)
Iain Turner has achieved International selection at Under 21 so maybe he has done best and of course his transfer to Everton brought in some much needed money!
Blair Cremin might have been a big success but lost out to serious injury – that’s how cruel the game can be. Jinky has to be the biggest crowd pleaser!

How did you get into coaching?
As a PE teacher from a young age I took a school team. I became involved at ‘County’ level and was then fortunate to become a coach for the Scottish Schools International teams at various levels. I’ve been extremely lucky to have had the chance to work with players who went on to great things. David Weir, Darren Fletcher, Kris Boyd, Steven and Gary Caldwell and Steven Fletcher are some who have gone on to Senior International level. I feel privileged and very proud of that.

Do the first team squad get involved or interact with the youth teams at all?
The first team players are good with the older players who have a chance to train with them. The younger teams do not train at Forthbank so it’s not really possible to meet up with them all but they do support the fund raising events brilliantly. I hope that some of the players will pass on their experience by helping with coaching sessions.

Give us the name of the one player Stirling fans should be really excited about when he breaks into the first team and why?
Liam Corr is possibly set to make the breakthrough and if he does fans can look forward to an inventive, creative player with a bit of hardness to mix in. There is also a player who I think could score goals for us at first team level. He has great pace and balance – I’ll let you know when he makes it!!

We have seen Daniel Cawley in first team squads as cover, how good a goalie is he?
The club are very fortunate to have an excellent Goalkeeping Coach in local man Dave Eccles. Dave works with all the keepers, including Myles Hogarth, and Myles would not hesitate to recognise the contribution Dave has made to his consistent performances over the seasons. Iain Turner benefited as does Scott Christie. Daniel Cawley is progressing well. He has a great stature and with Dave’s watchful eye on him I am confident he can continue to develop. There are a few more in the pipeline at younger age levels as well.

Are there any prolific goal scorers coming through the ranks?
Everyone will want me to say yes to that. Let’s just say that there are a few who could develop. It is a very competitive market out there. We have to try to make sure that what we offer at the Stirling Albion Youth Development Programme is of a high quality so that players will want to join the club, to develop at Forthbank and to have a realistic chance to play first team football.

What are the future plans or targets for the youth team?
As I mentioned earlier I hope some time to re-establish the Youth Training Scheme where our young players can be developed as full time players working with the Manager every day. That is vital for future success so if there is anyone out there interested in financing that then I’d love to hear from you.
I would like to introduce a girls’ section to our Youth Development programme – great progress is being made in the Women’s’ game and we don’t want to get left behind.
In the short term I would like to have a team at every age group level from Under 11 upwards. That takes a great deal of facilities, cash and volunteers.

If anyone reading this would like to help the youth teams by sponsoring, volunteering, fund raising etc, what should they do?
Get in touch with the club – RIGHT AWAY!! The Club Secretary or The Official Website Team will put you in touch with me quickly. We need financial help at all times – it costs at least £30,000 to run four teams. We also need volunteers who could help with administration, first aid and coaching. There are conditions of coach qualification and Disclosure Scotland requirements but don’t be put off. Get in touch if you can offer any help.

Many thanks to Stewart Taylor for taking the time to do the interview with the Official Website and our contributor.