FOOTBALL WITH THE STARS PRIZE

An amateur football team were given the chance of a lifetime when they got to rub shoulders with football’s top stars.

Dailly Amateurs trained at Rangers’ Murray Park training ground in Auchenhowie last week after winning a ‘ Train With a Pro’ competition hosted by Ladbrokes.

The competition was to submit a video which showed how important football was to a team’s area.

Winger Callum Skilling, 17, entered the competition after his team videos got a great reception online.

Their entry was picked as the top two, so they were invited to Ibrox for hospitality at the Rangers v Aberdeen match in May.

Aberdeen won the game 2- 1, securing their first win at Ibrox since 1991 with goals from Graeme Shinnie and Ryan Christie.

And Dailly had a penalty shootout at half- time against an amateur side from Glasgow - in which they won 4- 2.

The shootout secured £ 1000 for the club’s kitty as each goal was worth £ 250.

And it also meant they were invited to train at Murray Park last Monday - with a training session taken by Rangers coach, former Finland striker Jonatan Johansson.

The first team weren’t at the session as they were given the day off after their win against St Johnstone.

But Ross McCrorie, who made his first start against Celtic in the recent Old Firm clash, and his twin brother Robbie made an appearance.

Both players are from Dailly and still attend Dailly Amateur matches when possible.

Dailly co- manager Gary Skilling, 51, said: “It was a great experience for everyone involved and I was glad to be a part of it.

“The guys were like kids in a sweetie shop when they got off the bus, and they took a lot of pictures.

“It’s a big boost for the club and it’s definitely something we needed.”

Dailly currently sit second in the Ayrshire Amateur First Division, only behind leaders Stewarton United on goal difference.

They have missed out on promotion narrowly a number of times in recent seasons.

Gary and fellow co- manager Chris Clark hope that this training boost will give the players the kick they need to get promoted.