Ancrum youth footballers unbeaten in tournament at Premiership ground

Players from Ancrum’s 2013 squad travelled up to the venerable surroundings of Tynecastle Park, home of Premiership newcomers Heart of Midlothian, for the latest in a series of grass-roots football events for young devotees of the game entitled #PlaytheGame Expo.

Run by Hearts’ community coaching and football development team, the sessions feature 60 minutes of five-a-side games.

“The aim of the expos is to provide additional opportunities for players and teams to play games over the weekend,” explained the organisers.

A spokesman for the Brigend Park squad, whose senior team plays in Borders Amateur Football League Division B, said: “Ancrum 2013s had two five-a-side teams participating in the Hearts community tournament at Tynecastle stadium.

“Both Ancrum teams played five games and they were both undefeated against some really good teams from the Edinburgh area.

“A really good day was had by all the boys and coaches.”

Other squads taking part from around Edinburgh and the south east region included Raith Rovers Community Club, Crossgates Primrose, Lauriston Thistle, Motherwell Community Trust and Currie.

Graeme Colmer, Hearts’ community club development officer, said the expos, football fours and super fives festivals, are arranged in Edinburgh throughout the year and have the simple objective of allowing youngsters to pitch up and play.

“Remember when you were younger and used to play in the street or up the park with your pals?” he said.

“Sometimes, the only grown-up you heard was mum or dad shouting you in for dinner. Well, that’s the environment we create at our expos.

“The kids take on the majority of responsibility for their team, while coaches get the chance to stand back more and enjoy watching their players get on with playing.”