Family’s fancy footworkers
Local siblings are really on the ball
Life can often get pretty frantic in the McAllister household.
That’s just what happens when there’s a pair of budding soccer superstar siblings.
Centre-back Paige (14) is a Scotland international and will be making the step up to under- 19 level at Celtic this season and her younger brother Zander (9) has joined her on the path to a successful career after signing a pro youth contract with SPFL Premiership side Motherwell.
Paige made her international debut at under- 16 level last year against Norther Ireland while also featuring in a 3-0 victory over Wales and 1-1 draw with England at under-15.
And she clearly impressed the coaches with her assured performances in the heart of defence as she received a call-up once again to travel down to York for a series of friendlies against Denmark, Spain and England.
Adding to the youngster’s busy schedule, though, is trips to Wales and Northern Ireland in the next few weeks as she represents Bathgate Academy in the Scotland Schools under-15 squad.
She heads down to Wrexham this weekend to face the Welsh in a pair of friendlies before travelling to Northern Ireland in late March for the prestigious Bob Docherty Cup.
The tournament, which takes place between March 23 and 26 in Belfast, will see Paige tackle England, Wales, Republic of Ireland and the hosts.
Proud parents Stuart and Cheryl admitted they’re only too happy to deal with the busy schedule with dad Stuart commenting: “It can be challenging sometimes making sure they both get to where they need to be, but thankfully the training times work out quite well and it usually works out fine.
“Paige seems to be going from strength to strength and Zander is in a great place at Motherwell because they’re a top club with a highly regarded youth system.”
He added: “It can be a very busy schedule and all systems go at times but we wouldn’t want it any other way.”