Performance School graduate makes the grade at Dundee United

Logan Chalmers made his debut for Dundee United in July this year, and the Scottish FA Performance School graduate is now setting his sights on making a further impact in the first team.

Logan had just turned 17 when he was handed a place in the first team squad in United’s Leauge Cup tie against Cowdenbeath, coming on for the final 15 minutes of the match and marking four years since he started as a Performance School pupil at St. John’s RC in the best fashion.

Chalmers said: “Making my debut was obviously a special time for me.

“You work so hard to get to that stage, so it was a great moment. I’d been training with the first team towards the end of the week, but seeing my name on the squad sheet on the Friday was surreal.

“I was able to have my Mum and Dad at the game, along with my younger brother who’s only one.

"It was a special feeling walking out of the tunnel with them watching on.”

Logan would go one better later this year, scoring the winning goal against Linfield in the third round of the Challenge Cup, with virtually the last kick of the game.

“As I went onto the pitch the manager told me I was going to score so that definitely encouraged me. As an attacker, your dream is always to go on so to score the winning goal and celebrate with the players and fans was surreal.”



Joining fellow Dundee United star Scott Reekie, St.Mirren’s Ethan Erahon, Aberdeen’s Dean Campbell as well as Hearts duo Harry Cochrane and Anthony McDonald, Chalmers is one of six Performance School graduates to play at the first team stage.

Like all young players, Chalmers has had help along the way with Willo Flood providing guidance.

He said: “There’s players in the first team that have played a big part in helping me fit in with the squad.

“Willo Flood is someone who has particularly helped by encouraging me and picking me up when I make mistakes.”

“Obviously results have been good lately and the club is progressing well and it’s a good atmosphere to play and learn in. Hopefully we will be able to gain promotion and I’ll continue to push for a first team place.”

Looking back at his Performance School journey, the teenager said: “Being able to play football everyday is the dream of every young boy.

“Knowing that after your classes you have the chance to play football definitely motivates you to work harder and do your best in school.

“I’ve still got friends who I don’t play football with but met through the performance schools and keep in contact with.

“It gives you a great start in your career, and I know it played a huge part in my development as a player.

“I wouldn’t be at the level I am now without the Performance Schools.”