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AM SOCCER CUP 2023
It was a very action-packed four days at the AM soccer cup. Everyone involved contributed so much to the weekend. There was an outstanding performance from all the players across the weekend. They all showed great passion and teamwork. Though we faced splashes of rain, it didn’t stop the fun only provided us with more action.
The weekend schedule looked like this;
Saturday: 2014’s teams
Sunday: 2013’s teams
Saturday: 2016’s teams and Girls U10’s
Sunday: 2015’s teams (5v5 games)
During both weekends we had a BBQ sizzling for everyone to enjoy some delicious burgers and hotdogs. Everyone was also provided with snacks, sweet treats, and drinks, will all money raised going towards the club. The 2012 team put together a bake sale to fundraise money for a trip which also received lots of support. Businesses across Cupar helped put a donation in to support the event. The coaches and volunteers were all incredibly grateful for the amount of support they received over the weekend. As it wouldn’t have been possible without it.
When I was there, I asked various players their favourite moments of the day. Several individuals had expressed that their most memorable moments were when they successfully scored goals for their respective teams and subsequently celebrating that achievement with them. One goalie said his memorable moment was when he soared to the top corner to save a goal. An outstanding save that he was proud of and not the only one.
But a recurring treasured moment that stood out to me was “I was just happy to play football.” It was absolutely amazing to hear those 7 words as players didn’t care if they won or lost a game. They just wanted to do something they enjoyed and spend some quality time with their team. It's rewarding to hear how passionate these players are to play something they love.
The second weekend explored giving the girls' U10 football teams for the first time the chance to play against each other. It was fantastic to see them given this opportunity to show off their skills and capabilities. With all the girls having so much compassion in every game they played. Opportunities like this helps provide immense support to woman/girls who want to participate in sports.
When it reached the end of each day the players were rewarded for not only their hard work but their contribution to making this event possible. With their buzzing smiles, they received medals handed out by former AM soccer players. As for the medals for the girl's teams they were handed out by former AM soccer player Maya Knight who recently signed with Dundee united fc women. This is a fantastic step forward for her career, I cannot wait to see where it takes her.
In conclusion, every player brought such a bubbly passion to play football, not one went home disappointed. This event provided some fantastic opportunities for these young players to have fun and show of their skills. As well as develop their relationship with their teammates. It was wonderful seeing the hard work of the AM Soccer coaches pay off.
The atmosphere was euphoric every single day, and I cannot wait for the next AM Soccer event.
Olivia Fitchet 23 August 2023
Former AM soccer coach Jack Wilson joined Brentford in September 2020 to become their assistant team performance analyst. He spent a couple of years there learning to navigate his way through this new career. 2 years later, Wilson was granted with a new opportunity and successfully gained the position of becoming the first team performance analyst for Manchester City in January of 2022. This was an excellent chance for him to extend his knowledge and skills within the sport.
Now you may be asking yourself what is the role of a team performance analyst? well, they are responsible for collecting and analysing data on the team's performance. They also assess the performance of individual players and the opposing teams. This data is then used to help aid the coaching staff's decisions and provides the players with the opportunity to identify their areas of improvement.
During the evolution of football, performance analysts have become a crucial part to football teams. As they help to provide the teams with an edge over their competitors. Therefore, making Wilson’s job particularly important to ensure the success of the team. With Wilson’s critical thinking and the team’s devotion this year Man City achieved the historical treble.
Wilson recently returned to where it all started and made an appearance at AM soccer's 11 a-side sessions. He shared some of his experiences with the players and coaches. They were able to learn the impact and role Wilson had upon Man Citys accomplishments. He’s an inspiring figure for these young people and helped them expand their knowledge based on four factors- technical, tactical, physical, and decision-making.
Wilson has accomplished so much in his career already. With his hard work and dedication, he’s destined to do remarkable things within the football community. I know we are all excited to see what he will accomplish next.
Olivia Fitchet 28th June 2023
pro youth experience 2023
We had a welcome return to our Pro Youth Experience at St Leonards School this April. We hosted 2012 and 2013 born players for our first ever 7 a-side format of the PYE.
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The players received two sessions a day delivered by Rangers, Dundee FC and Dundee United FC coaches along with our own UEFA Licence coaches. A theme was chosen for each day and the players were educated on that theme via video, powerpoint presentation and on the pitch.
The week came to a close with a showcase match on the Friday night against Dundee United on the flawless St Leonards School pitch with St Andrews Cathedral providing an eye catching backdrop.
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As well as guest coaches from Academies the players also observed Dundee United 1st team training and enjoyed a conversation with DUFC player Archie Meekison (a former AM Soccer player and PYE attendee).
Great to have the Pro Youth Experience back on the calendar of events at AM Soccer Club. Roll on the next PYE in July.
AM Soccer Club are excited to announce a club trip to London for October 2023.
Taking place during the 2nd week of the October School holidays, there will be a mix of action and activities for players and parents/carers to enjoy.
Premier League game, stadium tour, games and training all squeezed into a memorable few days with team mates and friends.
October trip to London
AM Soccer Girls U10
at DUFCW
AM Soccer Girls U10's were invited to be Mascots for the Dundee United Women's team for their SWPL1 fixture against Rangers recently.
As well as accomponying the team out onto the pitch the AM Soccer players were treated to a meet and greet with the United stars before the game, a kick about on the pitch during the warm up and a game at half-time.
A memorable occasion for the players along with a good game of football to watch, with Rangers winning 4-0.
DEBUT DELIGHT FOR FLYNN DUFFY
DATE: 11th July 2021
We're kicking off the 2021/2022 season with more professional pathway news, as Flynn Duffy made his debut for the Dundee United first team on Friday night in their Premier Sports Cup fixture against Kelty Hearts. After impressing in the pre season friendlies, the 17 year old gave a good enough account of himself with the management team, which earned a place in the starting XI for their first competitive game of the season.
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Duffy spent four years in our Pro Youth Experience, which is an elite programme for talented AM Soccer players, as well as local academies and clubs from around the world. The programme provides youngsters with an opportunity to live the life of a full time footballer, as they prepare for professional football, or push towards playing at that level.
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FORMER COACH GOES FROM DUFFUS PARK TO THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
​DATE: 3rd June 2021
It's been an incredible season so far with AM Soccer alumni making a name for themselves on the pitch in Scotland. However, history was made yet again at the weekend, this time to the south of the border, with former coach Jack Wilson achieving promotion to the English Premier League with Brentford!
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Jack started coaching with AM Soccer in 2014, where he was involved at our after school sessions, before moving on to team football, taking the 2004 and 2002 age groups. With a keen interest in the tactical side of the game, Jack began working closely with Club founder Austin MacPhee, who mentored him in the speciality of opposition analysis. As well as providing a high quality of coaching to his teams, he was very passionate about supporting players with feedback on their performances in training and matches - a passion which began to grow and help him pursue his next opportunity in football.
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In 2017, Jack progressed to Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian as a first team performance analyst, as well as working with Northern Ireland in a similar role. Fast forward a couple of years, Jack moved on to join the team at Brentford in September 2020, as an assistant to the first team performance analyst, where he helped the West London side make their way to English Premier League for the first time in the clubs history!
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To go from coaching 7-a-side at Duffus Park to working in the Premier League is an inspirational story for coaches everywhere. Everyone at AM Soccer Club is over the moon for Jacks recent success, and we wish him all the best as he comes up against the biggest and best teams in the world next season!
ARCHIE MAKES PREMIERSHIP DEBUT
DATE: 21st April 2021
A huge congratulations to former AM Soccer player Archie Meekison on making his professional debut for Dundee United tonight! Archie is the second AM Soccer Club graduate to become a Scottish Premiership player.
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Meekison started with AM Soccer Club at a young age and stood out with his impressive technical ability, which also earned him an opportunity to train with FC Barcelona during a club tour in Spain!
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Everyone at the club is delighted for Archie on making his senior debut in the top flight, and very proud of the impression he left in the game! It was great to see both Archie and Louis on the pitch at the same time too.
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MACPHEE JOINS ASTON VILLA
DATE: 14th August 2021
Congratulations to AM Soccer Club founder Austin MacPhee on his appointment as Aston Villa's specialised set piece coach!
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Austin has joined the Premier League club after a spell in Denmark with Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland, where he will continue to combine his new role with the Northern Ireland national team as assistant coach.
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Everyone at AM Soccer Club is delighted to see Austin's innovative coaching methods in the Premier League , where he will be joined by former coach Jack Wilson. Villa midfielder and Scotland internationalist, John McGinn, has praised the appointment of MacPhee for 'being one of the best in the business analyst-wise'.
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HISTORY MADE
DATE: 13th January 2021
Former AM Soccer Club player, Louis Appere went into the AM Soccer history books this week as he became the first player to score in the Nation's Premier League.
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Club coordinator, Danny Mason said "Louis is a great role mode for the youngsters at our club, who all dream of being a professional footballer like him one.
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He’s shown fantastic resilience to get to where is today and what he’s already achieved sends a message that the sky is the limit, and they should never give up."
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Read the full article here
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