Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Tony sets his sights on unearthing young stars
Former Rovers coach helps launch coaching scheme
Former Albion Rovers coach Tony McMinn is hoping to find the next Ryan Gauld in Monklands after helping to launch North Lanarkshire Box Soccer.
During his time at the Coatbridge club, McMinn helped to launch the first disability and mental health sports teams at the club, as well as overseeing the ‘ Rovers in the Community’ project which welcomed youngsters to take part in club events.
However, after following boss Darren Young through the door at Cliftonhill, he has now set his sights on finding the stars of the future with Box Soccer.
The football training camps – which help improve player technique – were used at Dundee United and saw the likes of Sporting Lisbon star Ryan Gauld and Hearts defender John Souttar come through the system.
The scheme, which was created by current Hearts boss Ian Cathro, has enjoyed success in Monklands so far with over 200 kids attending free club nights.
McMinn has been travelling around the area and also has regular sessions on a Friday night at Dunbeth Park.
He first had his interest in the project peaked by the star names produced by the scheme and believes that more can be unearthed in Airdrie and Coatbridge.
McGinn said: “I’ve seen some of those guys come through at Dundee United and I can really see the benefits of it. We are starting from scratch but it’s exciting times.
“We have done a lot for community football and young players in North Lanarkshire while at the club, it’s just a shame the way that went.
“What we were doing at Rovers, in my opinion, made a difference in the community. This can add to that. There is a lot of quality out there.
“We did try to keep the community stuff going but unfortunately never happened. It’s massive in Edinburgh just now – so hopefully we can have similar success here.”