DECSC Soccer Sixes - February 2011
'Player pathway' is very much a buzz phrase just now in the developing scene of youth football in Scotland. Different islands coming together, in the form of a Community Club, to offer a smooth transition throughout a young player's journey into adulthood. It makes perfect sense.
Dundee East Community Sports Club (DECSC) are a model of how a well put-together Community Club can create something special. Inspired by the amount of players dropping off the ladder, five different City of Discovery area outfits have joined forces.
Douglas Lads, Broughty United YFC and Ferry Athletic provide full youth sections. Broughty Athletic provide a semi-professional Junior team for the most talented of players to advance to. Whereas there is also an amateur option in the form of Broughty United AFC.
By coming together DECSC have done more than just offer a player pathway. Advances have been made on the provision of facilities and the latest feat comes in the shape of an excellently organised youth tournament. The indoor Soccer World complex in Dundee played host to the inaugural event on Saturday.
Twenty-eight teams came from throughout Angus and Perthshire to participate in the six-a-side event.
The following clubs were represented: Broughty United YFC, Ferry Athletic, Dundee United SC, Dundee West, Celtic Boys, Riverside, Dundee Rangers, Jeanfield Swifts, Montrose BC, Forfar BC, Dryburgh, Dundee Thistle & Arbroath Lads Club.
Twelve teams met at the Under 10 age group, with another sixteen following them at Under 11. There was no shortage of skill on offer, with talent on show throughout the complex.
Every player was presented with a medal for taking part, in addition to goodies from sponsors McDonalds.
The event is planned to be an annual one and there will be no shortage of takers when 2012 comes around. With the developmental ages now beginning their season in March, it will be seen as an ideal curtain-raiser for many teams preparing for the big kick off.
The buzz and excitement evident throughout Saturday epitomises the feeling at this progressive new club. Anyone you speak to - whether player, coach or official, had one thing in common. They are thoroughly enjoying their football.
Youth Football Scotland has kindly provided a selection of photographs from the DECSC Soccer Sixes and these are shown on the following webpage - please see side menu.
Youth Football Scotland interviewd DECSC Secretary Hugh Jamieson immediately after the festival and Hugh's remarks can be viewd at www.youtube.com/watch?v=neTq5vwbLkE
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The inaugural DECSC Soccer Sixes Festival, for Under 10s and Under 11s, took place at SoccerWorld, Old Glamis Road in Dundee, on Saturday 26 February 2011. We are delighted to reproduce Youth Football Scotland's review of the tournament below. More details can be found at 
A packed presentation room were treated to former Dundee, Dundee United and Scotland star Lee Wilkie (pictured right). The former towering defender, a hero on both sides of the city, and a popular choice for all in attendance. | Visitor Counter: | |||||||
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