CRAIG RITCHIE
Jim Goodwin was on hand to welcome the latest Northern Irish side to venture to Paisley.
The Buddies gaffer stopped and posed for pictures with C4C Youth Academy as they brought 28 players and four coaches over the Irish Sea.
They enjoyed two masterclass training sessions delivered by St Mirren Academy coaches Sam Mawuena and John Divers and also played matches against Thorn Athletic and Crosshouse Boys.
And as well as coaching and matches they had a behind the scenes tour of the Simple Digital Arena and attended the win over Aberdeen.
To top the tour they met chairman Gordon Scott, chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick, manger Jim Goodwin and new signing Jonathan Obika.
The visit comes hot on the heels of St Mirren’s own trip to Northern Ireland in pre-season, where the Buddies faced Rosario Seniors, which was organised by tour company inspiresport.
Rodney Weir, from C4C Youth Academy, said: “What an incredible weekend in Paisley with our U-17, U-14 and U-13 Youth Academy squads.
“From meeting the St Mirren chairman Gordon Scott, manager Jim Goodwin and new signing Jonathan Obika, to training at their Academy and even taking in a top flight match, it was amazing from start to finish.
“This year we wanted something different for our tour and St Mirren was certainly that. We were welcomed into the club and were shown hospitality like never before.
“The boys also met the current chief executive and club legend Tony Fitzpatrick who shared stories of playing under Sir Alex Ferguson and what it takes to make it in the football world.
“We had the opportunity to train under academy coaches Sam Mawuena and John Divers who gave the boys a unique insight into the standard required to be an SMFC Academy player.
“The coaches were brilliant with kids and really took the time to help them develop, in particular emphasizing that talent is not enough, and that your character off the pitch is what sets you apart.
“A massive thank you to inspiresport, Jed McCabe and Ian Crosbie for their excellent service as always.
Fitzpatrick is delighted with the mark the club are making further afield than Paisley, adding: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome C4C Youth Academy from Northern Ireland to our club.
“The great name of St Mirren is taking hold in Northern Ireland as we have now welcomed over 800 people to experience our hospitality.”
Jed McCabe of inspiresport said: “It was yet another very sucsessful tour from our relationships in Northern Ireland to St Mirren.
“We set the bar very high and this tour for C4C Youth Academy has just pushed the bar higher by all expectations being met and a bit more.”