The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Young footballer prepares to tackle 800-mile round trips
Lerwick schoolboy in it for the long haul as he signs development form with Scottish Premiership club St Johnstone in bid to be professional
Wannabe footballer Finn Regan has signed-up for 800-mile round trips to make the grade with St Johnstone.
The talented 13-year-old striker is braced for long hauls to Perth from his home in the Shetlands.
The youngster leaped at the chance to pen a development form with the Premiership side after catching the eye of Saints youth development chief Alistair Stevenson.
Proud parents Tracy and Paul, who teach at Lerwick’s Anderson High School, will be clocking up the air miles as Finn chases his dream.
“We are delighted for Finn. He’s very excited. It is an opportunity we couldn’t possibly pass up,” said Tracy.
“It is certainly a challenge when you live on Shetland. It is the same for any of the kids, whatever sport they play.
“It is also a hefty financial commitment for parents.
“But we will do everything we can to support Finn.
“It’s a 14-hour journey on the ferry to Aberdeen but we try to fly.
“We’ve had a few trips recently and Finn will also come down for training and games during the school holidays.”
The Anderson High School pupil plays for Lerwick Rangers and features in the Shetland country squad.
“A few boys from Shetland were on a Nomads Tour and playing in a Soccer Experience in Tenerife last year,” said Tracy.
“Then a select played against St Johnstone in July and Alistair asked Finn to come down again for a tournament in August, when he scored against Dundee United and Partick Thistle. It all moved on from there.”
Perth youth supremo Alistair is throwing the net far and wide to attract young talent. There were kids from all over the world, including two or three kids from the Shetlands, playing for the Soccer Experience select. Finn stood out,” he said.
“Living in Lerwick does provide a challenge but Finn’s parents know kids have to come to the mainland to have any chance of developing any kind of sporting career.
“We are hoping he will be with us every few weeks and during holidays.
“Obviously it is expensive but hopefully a business or two in Lerwick might think Finn is worth supporting. That would be a nice touch.”
It is certainly a challenge when you live on Shetland
There is no doubting the dedication of football hopeful Finn Regan. While the game’s modern superstars enjoy a pampered lifestyle, there is little luxury for the 13-year-old striker as he endures an 800-mile round trip to train with St Johnstone.
It is quite a commitment – here’s hoping it proves well worth it and that, ultimately, he goes on to achieve all his goals.