Welcome to Lochar Thistle Youths A.F.C.

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Lochar Thistle Youths A.F.C. is based in Heathhall, Dumfries. We are always looking for new players so if you are interested in joing one of our squads please contact us.

All age groups are now operating a waiting list due to the large number of kids we have at each age group.Anyone who wishes to put a name down on the waiting list please e-mail ross.corbett@tesco.net

The date of this years  Lochar Thistle Youth AFC AGM is Friday 15th June.The meeting starts at 7:15pm in the Lochar Inn.Would all age groups please send a representative.Please note anyone interested in coaching next season please attend all parents are welcome along as well

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ANNUAL PRESENTATION DAY 2012

The annual presentation day will be held this year on Saturday 2nd June 2012. The day promises to be as busy as ever with games for all ages, bouncy castle, beat the goalie, bottle and cake stand. There will also be a disco, piper and an appearance from Dougie the Doonhamer. The day will culminate with an ex-players v the coaches match, so please stay to cheer on your favourites (coaches!!!!!!)

Donations for the cake, bottle stand or raffle would be greatly appreciated. Additional parking will be available on the runway across from the park. Please keep the main roadway into the Industrial Estate clear.

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LOCHAR THISTLE UNDER 13'S WIN LEAGUE CUP

Terregles Park was the venue for the under 13's League Cup final which was held on Thursday 17th May 2012. Lochar Thistle met Greystone Rovers in the final which promised to be an excellent match and didnt disappoint. The game proved to be a first class display by both teams with Lochar coming out on top with a 4 - 1 victory. The Lochar team played well with Man of the Match going to Liam Jardine who had two brilliant goal line clearances.

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CHAIRMANS VISIT TO HOLLAND

An opportunity like this comes once in a lifetime if your lucky,so when asked if I would like to join an S.F.A study group on an eight day visit to Enschede in Holland it was a no brainer. My assigned task was to study and report on Club Structure and Facility Development at three clubs in the Enschede area BSC Unisson,HSC'21 and the largest of the three V.V Rigtersbleek.

I was impressed by the open welcome I received at each club, surprised to note that their player pathway was similar to our own, but the main difference was in the size of each club. Each club had two main pitches(some astro)and two to three smaller pitches for training and small sided games,a good sized clubhouse with a small bar and facilities for serving hot and cold food.
Club membership was not confined to the youngsters, the parents also paid an annual joining fee and the largest of the three visited V.V. Rigtersbleek has a membership of almost one thousand players and parents.

The under 8's play fun fours,10's and 12's 7v7 then full sided games from 13 up to 19 then adult football, this is classed as a community club. The season runs from August until the week before Christmas then restarts at the end of January (February for the fun fours)teams can move up or down a division after the break depending on results,all leagues are in two year bands.

I was fortunate to see three Eredivise games Heracles Almelo v S.C Heerenveen on Saturday night,the big one F.C Twente v Ajax on Sunday afternoon and F.C Twente final home match on Wednesday night v S.C Heerenveen,the home team lost on each occassion, 1-0 results are unheard of in Holland the three games finnished 2-4,1-2 and 3-4.

People I met and spoke with included Joop Munsterman Chairman F.C. Twente,Steve McClaren Manager F.C. Twente,Patrick Kluivert,Frans Thissen and Theo Snelders all coaches, Scott Calderwood Commercial Manager Heracles and his father Jimmy former Manager of Dunfermline and Aberdeen. Tours of the Heracles and F.C Twente Stadiums(aptly named De Grolsch Veste)and the Grolsch Brewery were included in our hectic itinary and on the final night as guests of the V.V. Rigtersbleek Chairman we represented his club in a 7v7 match against a team from his main sponsor,we won 3-0 playing in the yellow Scotland strip.

This is only a snapshot of my eight days in Enschede but being on such a trip with annother nine like minded football people was an experience that will live with me forever.

 

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GOALKEEPER ACADEMY TRAINING TRIP

The goalkeepers had an excellent day out on the 6th May 2012 when they travelled down to Newcastle to train at the Newcastle United training ground. It was an early start for the players who left Dumfries at 6:30 am to travel to Newcastle for a 9am start. The boys were put through their paces by goalkeeping coach Steven Graham who provided a 2 hour training session.

After the training the boys headed across the city to St James Park where they watched the game against Manchester City. Ruaridh Wallace was fortunate to assist as a ballboy at the ground and was able to watch the players at close range as they warmed up and played the match.

Our photo shows the group with Newcastle coach Steven Graham and Goalkeeping coaches Stewart Rae and Grant Ireland. More photos are available within the goalkeeper section.

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GALLOWAY FOOTBALL FAIR

On Saturday 5th May and Sunday 6th May 2012 Galloway Thistle Youth Football Club played host to the annual Football Fair at Blairmount Park, Newton Stewart. Lochar Thistle Youths were well represented at the under 8's, 10's and 12's age groups. The weather stayed dry for the event which was run very well. A big thanks goes out to the organisers of this excellent event.

Our pictures show some of the teams before and after the games.

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Congratulations ...

...to the Lochar Thistle u15s squad, on winning the LT Wilson Challenge Cup on Friday 20th April, 4-3 against Heston Rovers on Penalties

 

 

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Ball boys trip

This seasons annual ball boys trip will be to the premiership fixture between Wigan Athletic and Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday 13th May.There will be a 33 seater coach travelling to this event with ball boys and helpers getting priority although spare tickets may be available.Regular ball boys will receive a letter with details this week.Anyone else wishing a ticket if any become available please see Ross Corbett.The approximate cost of this trip is £15 which includes bus,community coaching and match day ticket.More details will follow shortly.

Support needed for club coaches

On the 8th April Lochar coaches Andy Pirrie,Campbell Wallace and parent John Wilson are taking part in the Tartan Army kilt walk from Hampden Park to Loch Lomond please see link below for more details.Anyone wishing to sponsor the boys please text Andy or Campbell.

http://www.tartanarmychildrenscharity.org.uk/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=123&Itemid=102

Daily Record/Sunday Mail

Would all parents and coaches please collect the Daily record and Sunday mail kits for kids vouchers which will be starting in the next few weeks as Lochar Thistle under 8's have registered this year.Please try and collect as many vouchers as possible to help get equipment for the youngest age group at the club.More details will follow with dates and collecting points.Any local businesses who can take a collecting box please contact ross.corbett@tesco.net

Committee meeting:

Would all coaches and committee members please note the date of the next committee meeting is Sunday 1st April at 7:30pm in the club house.

End of season BBQ

Would all players and parents please note this seasons end of season BBQ is Saturday 2nd June.More details will follow but under 8's,10's and 12's will be between 10am-12pm and under 13's,15's and 17's 2-4pm.

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Kirsty Howat returns to Lochar

Kirsty has come back to train with Ross Corbett and his under 15's team.

Kirsty who has recently signed for Glasgow Rangers under 15 Girls was looking for a club to do some extra training with and Lochar was her obvious choice as she played with them for seven years.

Kirsty says " Its seems funny being back but its as if I have never been away everyone has made me so welcome and I want to thank Ross, Bull, Wilby and Lochar for helping me

Rangers asked me to go and train and see round Murray Park and I signed in January Its a great set up but I need to train three nights a week and they have said I can train down here to save so much travelling"

Kirsty moved to Dumfries Girls in 2010 where she was top scorer for two seasons and really enjoyed her time there.

Kirsty also trains with the South West development squad at Hamilton on a Wednesday night which means she will get the three sessions a week that Rangers expect.
Since leaving Lochar she has played a lot of football and has been involved in the national set up and more recently the Scottish schools trials.

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Rag-Bag appeal:

Thanks to everyone who donated items for the rag bag appeal which was collected by the projects driver last week.A fantastic £190.50 was raised for club funds.

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Committee meeting:

Would all Lochar Thistle coaches and committee members please note that the date of the next meeting is Sunday 4th Marchin the club house.Would all age groups please send a representative.Names are being taken for the coaches/committee end of season meal and also final details for the end of season BBQ will be handed out.

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Queens v Dundee

Would all players please see their coaches after this weeks training sessions as all coaches have tickets which permit under 16's into Queen of the South v Dundee match on Saturday 18th February for free and if you are accompanied by an adult they can enter for £14

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Sponsors wanted:

The Lochar Thistle committee are currently on the look out for any potential sponsors for our anniversary year for strips and various other items.Anyone who may be able to help the club out in anyway please e-mail ross.corbett@tesco.net

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Under 8's At Palmerston Park

On Saturday 14th January 2012 the Lochar Thistle Under 8's joined Heston Rovers to play two exhibition matches at Palmerston Park during the half time break. All the players enjoyed their first fifteen minutes of fame and were in good voice throughout the match shouting their support for Queens.

Our picture below shows the players prior to the start of the game. For more pictures see the Under 8's News page:

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DG1 Competition

Between Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th January the Lochar Thistle teams took part in the annual DG1, 5 aside competition. The event has been growing from strength to strength and this year was no different with teams throughout the region joining in and over 800 youths playing over the weekend.

Our photos show some of the teams which took part during the event:

Under 10's

 

Under 12's

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Lochar Training Kit

Lochar have teamed up with Knox Sports, Whitesands, Dumfries to produce a range of training kit in the teams colours which will include the team crest. Knox Sports has a range of clothing in stock including a training kit, top, shorts and socks, at a cost of £17. Some of the items can be viewed at www.sportknox.com just select the local clubs option on the home page and then Lochar Thistle Youths to arrive at our kit page. Alternatively drop in to the shop at 58 Whitesands, Dumfries where the friendly staff are happy to assist.

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Lochar Launch Facebook Page

Lochar have now joined the Facebook revolution, launching a page on the ever popular social networking site. The page is maintained to keep players, parents and fans up-to-date with games, results and any cancellations. The page will also post notifications regarding changes to scheduled training and reminders to everyone of the clubs fixtures.

So check us out at Lochar Thistle Youths AFC.

 

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Dumfries and Galloway U15s Select vs Scotland U15s

On Sunday 5th June Dumfries and Galloway youth league under 15’s select played Scotland SYFA under 15’s at Lochars Heathhall Enterprise Park.The Dumfries and Galloway team was selected by Ross Corbett and his fellow Lochar under 15’s coaches.The team included players from Annan Athletic, Greystone Rovers, Galloway Thistle, Millenium, LocharThistle, Terregles and Heston Rovers.Thanks must go to the following who made this fixture possible Gallovidian fresh foods, Palmerston Colts AFC, Queen of the South FC and Lochar Thistle for the use of their pitch also Stuart Rae for coaching the two keepers and ALL the local teams for sending the players selected.

Click here to see photos from the match.

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Under 15s

Lochar Thistle Under 15s squad before the final training session.

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Annual BBQ & Awards 2011:

The annual Lochar Thistle Youths AFC awards for under 7's,9's and 11's was held on Saturday 28th May at Lochars pitch between 11am-2pm and the end of season dance for under 13's,15's and 17's was held in the Locharbriggs Social club on Friday 10th June.All age groups from under 11's and younger received a medal .Read more >>

Click here to see photos from the BBQ and Awards.

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Lochar Thistle Teams Enjoy the Galloway Football Festival

The weekend of Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May 2011 saw a number of Lochar Thistle Teams attending the 10th Annual Galloway Football Festival which takes place at Blairmount Park, Newton Stewart. The event, which is organised by Galloway Thistle Youth Football Club continues to grow in popularity with Lochar sending a total of seven teams from the under 7's, 9's, 11's and 13's. The festival also included teams from throughout the region as well as Ayrshire and Northern Ireland.

The Lochar Thistle Teams performed well throughout the weekend and the players should be applauded for their endeavour and commitment.

The pictures below show some of the teams with their trophies.

Under 7 team

Under 9, 2003 Team

(rear row) Cade Jardine, Conor Boyes, Dylan Hastings, Greg Gourlay, Lewis Rae,

(front row) Nathan Gibson, Oliver Cairnie, Jack Coupland, Adam Bertram.

Under 9, 2002 Team

(rear row) Conor Cowan, Lewis Haining, Irvine Maxwell, Brad Henderson, Lewis Cheetham

(front row) Blair Gray, Scott Chisholm, Mackenzie Rae.

Under 11, 2001. Two teams entered.

(rear row) Lennox Handley, Ryan Nish, Russell Williamson, Evan McMahon, Liam McLarty, Mikenzie Hammond, Ryan Pirrie, Cole Hastings, Mitchell Graham.

(front row) Finlay Corsan, Ross Irving, Dom McMahon, Jack Hastings, Euan Kirk, Owen Bertram, Ruaridh Wallace.

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Ballboys trip:

This year Lochar Thistle players who are volunteer Queen of the South FC ballboys evey 2nd Saturday will be treated to a trip to the premiership match between Everton and Chelsea on Sunday 22nd May.The bus will leave Lochars pitch approximately 8:00am and the kids will receive coaching from Evertons community coaches and a ticket for the match.Thanks must go to the following for sponsoring this trip Colins carpets,Lytebites catering,Lochar Thistle committee and also a big thank you to all the ball boys who sold xmas raffle tickets towards the trip.The bus is full and a waiting list is in place booked on so far are:K Hunter,O Bell,L Biggar,R Service,R Hodgson,T Muir,D Emmerson,C McKeand,J Gilston,J Broadfoot,D Adamson,R Wallace,F Corson,R Pirrie,Davie Emmerson,R Hunter,A McBurnie,B Gourlay,E Gourlay,G Corbett,Ross Corbett,C Mowbray,A Pirrie,Mark Gourlay,Campbell Wallace,James Bell,Iain Corson,R Wilson and Colin McBurnie

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Goalkeepers Train with Scotland Player Cameron Bell

The Lochar Thistle AFC Goalkeeper Academy had a special visitor this month when Cammy Bell attended at the weekly training session. Cammy, who currently plays for Kilmarnock and recently appeared for Scotland against the Faroe Islands to earn his first cap. Cammy is now a regular within the Scotland team and the players were keen to learn from his knowledge and experience.

The players, coaches and committee would like to thank Cammy for taken time out of his busy schedule to support the club.

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Players Turn Out to Support Club Fun Run

Club players, coaches and parents all turned out on Monday 28th March 2011 to take part in the clubs sponsored fun run which was held at Heathhall Industrial Estate. More than 70 participents took part in the hour long event, running round a one mile course. The weather conditions were very favourable and the kids worked really hard to notch up as many miles as possible round the course.

 

All of the age groups were represented during the event with some excellent performances at all the ages.

 

 

A total of £1600 was raised during the event with the first £500 going to the Cash for Kids Charity which the club is proud to support. The committee would like to thank all the children and parents who raised money for the club and took part in the event.

For older news see 'News Archive'