The Stirling area has long since been associated with great victories for Scotland. At Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn around 700 years ago William Wallace and Robert the Bruce led their armies to magnificent triumphs against all the odds.

In our more peaceful times, it was football that was the winner this week when some of the best young players from around Scotland came together to train and compete with each other in the shadow of the Wallace monument.

Hosts Central Region welcomed U13s and U14s squads from each of teh six Scottish FA regions. The players stayed in the University halls of residence and training sessions were mixed with match fixtures and downtime, including a trip to the movies.

Coaches Paul McDonald and Charlie Adams were delighted by the efforts of their troops.  Everyone in attendance were very impressed by the standard of play and equally importantly commented on the good behaviour, sportsmanship and mutual respect amongst all squads concerned.

Let’s hope that the fields around Stirling will prove, once again, a place where Scottish heroes are born.