Normal business resumes after fun break in the sun
Focus is on new term East Kilbride YM have recently returned from an end of season trip to Be ni dorm-but boss Graeme Robertson admits they have already been back training for next term.
Over 30 players from the club’ s Caledonian, Scottish Amateur and Greater Glasgow side embarked on a four-day trip to the Spanish holiday hotspot with their coaches at the start of the month.
A reward for a successful season, which included the amateur side winning the Coronation Cup for the first time in 55 years, their visit included a number of excursions to points of historical significance as well as time out to enjoy a beverage or two.
But now attention turns towards preparation for the 2016/17 campaign and the club’ s annual pre-season tournament.
YM are back for pre-season training on Saturday, June 25 ahead of t he tournament kick-off on July 30.
However, Robertson told the News: “At the request of the players, we are continuing to play throughout the normal close season and start preseason training officially on Saturday. The boys didn’t want to stop after the trip away and we’ve been playing every Saturday since we got back.
“Our first pre-season training session will take place at Kirktonholme at 12.30pm and any new players interested are welcome to come along.”
Meanwhile, the YM tournament this season has been changed to a knock out format to allow the YM teams to take on a hefty pre-season friendly schedule.
The eight sides involved provide an opportunity to watch teams from all the major leagues in the west of Scotland which include the Caledonian League, Central Scottish League, Scottish Amateur League and Greater Glasgow Premier League. They are East Kilbride YM (Caley), East Kilbride YM (GGPL/SAFL), Claremont, Dynamo EK, EKFC Amateurs, EKRR, Possil YM and Rutherglen.
The quarter finals will take place at Hamilton Palace and Ballerup 3G on July 30, with the semi finals at the same locations the following Tuesday and Wednesday.
Ballerup will play host to the final on Sunday, August 8, with a 2pm kick-off.
Last season 130 goals were scored across 27 games and it was Shawlands FP who walked away with the trophy after a 2-1 win over Finnart.
East Kilbride YM’s sides failed to make it out of the group stages.