Promising signs ahead for young Tangerines

WITH the Age 11 season well under way, the Tele caught up with DUSC coach Martin Szpak to see how his young Tangerines are faring.

DUSC took on Montrose last weekend in what was described as a tough encounter, but there’s plenty of reason to be excited for the future.

“We’re not doing too bad actually,” remarked an audibly proud Szpak. “We’ve been very decent so far and have come away winning a lot of games.

“It’s more important to get them playing the right way, though, first and foremost, and the real challenge will be keeping the squad together.

“We’ve already lost a couple of boys to pro-youth set-ups at Dundee and Dundee United, with two on their way and another three expected to leave at the end of the season.”

Goalkeepers Jamie Adam and Aaron Clark drew special praise from the boss, noted for their exceptional performances in rotation across a two-game format this term, and both will join pro set-ups as they enjoy the next chapter of their footballing development.

“It’s sad to see them go,” reflected Szpak.

“You obviously want to have the best team but at the same time, the lads will get excellent experience and that’s a good feeling as a coach.”

The Age 11 group will make the leap to 11-a-side next year, as players gear up for the next level.

“We have a pretty big squad,” Szpak added. “If anything, we’ll need to cut a few when the time comes to move up. It will be tough because a lot of these boys have been together for five or six years.”

However, Szpak is confident his side will cope with the demands of a bigger pitch and larger team, saying: “To be fair, I think they’ll be fine.

“A lot of them go to the same school and with knowing each other from the club they’ll be familiar on the park.”

Indeed, four of DUSC’s Fintry Primary stars were involved in a Scottish School’s Championship in Glasgow recently, with keeper Adam, Jayce Szpak, Riley Coutts and Rory Smith all honing their games.

The aim for the rest of the campaign is to continue to develop the current squad, and Szpak was keen to highlight the benefits of a summer schedule.

“When I was younger, we’d be playing through winter and it didn’t seem to make sense,” he said.

“Playing through the summer on good surfaces like Craigie 3G is far better for the lads to develop.”

Three DUSC players swarm a Montrose opponent as he attempts to clear in the Age 11 clash at Craigie 3G.

A Ferry Yellow Age 12 player darts away from his Forfar opponent as his side look to build an attack at Dawson Park.

DUSC Age 11s (tangerine) try to manoeuvre their way through a packed Montrose defence in the pair’s clash at Craigie 3G.

Action from the clash between DUSC Age 12 and Broughty Pumas as the Tangerines ramp up the pressure at Craigie 3G.

The Forfar keeper imposes himself on the opposition in an attempt to block a Ferry Yellow effort on goal in the Age 12 clash.