Norrie McCathie Benevolent Fund

Haarlam Cup 2007 - 1991s Tour Summary

16s DO SCOTLAND PROUD IN HOLLAND

Playing a year above their age group, the Norries’ 16s played out of their skins in the International Youth Friendship Games in Haarlem last month.

Giving away height and weight, but not skill, to international opposition from the USA, Holland, Denmark and England, the lads topped their group, winning three games on the bounce, scoring eight goals and conceding none.

The competition got tougher in the A section play-offs, however, the Norries losing 1-0 to eventual tournament winners Oost Watergraafsmeer of Holland, picking up a 0-0 draw against Danish team Skamby BK and losing 1-2 to English team Bedford.

The tournament proved that the Norries can compete with physically strong opposition and obtain results. Coaches Graham Birse, Alan Jeffrey and Pip Yeates were very proud of their lads, particularly as our squad rotation system ensured all 17 lads played a full and active part. Graham Birse said: “You could say the lads grew up in Holland. This was a football education and fantastic preparation for our campaign to win the league next season.”

The Norries scorers were: Callum Robertson, Scott Lyon, Struan Maclean, Martin Nedialkov, Ruari Spriddle and Ross Graham.