Strathearn Herald

US adventure ahead for talented star Reg

- MATTHEW GALLAGHER

Strath soccer star Reg McLaren has netted a scholarshi­p in America.

The former Community School of Auchterard­er pupil will begin a new adventure at Thomas University this summer.

He will be mixing football and a degree in Rehabilita­tion Studies in the city of Thomasvill­e, Georgia, from August.

McLaren, previously of Stirling Albion and currently playing for Jeanfield Swifts, can’t wait to get started.

Making the journey Stateside was something that crossed his mind years ago but he felt now was the right time.

The process of securing his move was aided by Swifts’ assistant boss Logan McConachie, co-owner of Step Further Football.

“I’d mentioned it to Logan,” McLaren said. “He had made links with a scholarshi­p company and it was pushed on from there.

“I’d thought about it before but then managed to get into the first team at Stirling Albion. I left it for a while.

“The degree is four years and, obviously, it depends on how I do with my grades. But I’m hoping to be there for the four years.

“I’m expecting a decent standard of football over in America. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it.

“I know a few boys who have gone out there and they all say it’s a very good standard.”

McLaren, from Auchterard­er, knows players who have moved to the USA to make their mark in the game, including former St Johnstone player Greg Hurst.

“Part of the reason I want to go over there is to see if I can get a semi-pro team or something similar outwith when playing with the uni,” McLaren revealed. “That would be ideal for during

the summer. I know Greg Hurst a wee bit and he is playing at the level I’d ideally aim for, maybe just below that. It’s something I definitely think I can do if I can keep my fitness up. I think there are plenty of teams out there – especially in Georgia – and they take their football seriously.

“The plan is to get noticed and hopefully stay out there to keep playing.”

Action with Jeanfield Swifts is currently suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic

but McLaren will ensure he keeps the legs ticking over.

The Perth side sat second in the East of Scotland League’s Premier Division when the season was ground to a halt. They are unbeaten in their nine games.

McLaren is hopeful that the campaign can continue when it is safe to do so.

He said: “I’m just going to keep myself as fit as I can and help Jeanfield to try to win the league. We’ve got a good chance.

“Hopefully we have the rest of the season to look forward to. Winning the league before I head out to America would be nice. We’ve not been beaten in the league and I don’t see why that can’t continue.

“We’re a good team and it feels like there is a massive difference from last season. We’ve come on leaps and bounds.

“There is that togetherne­ss in the team and everyone gets on well.”

 ??  ?? On the move Lang Toon lad Reg McLaren in action for Jeanfield
On the move Lang Toon lad Reg McLaren in action for Jeanfield
 ??  ?? Link-up
Logan McConachie of Jeanfield Swifts
Link-up Logan McConachie of Jeanfield Swifts

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