Ton' tour sets sail for far-flung football fields

This summer Greenock Morton FC's charitable arm 'Morton in the Community' is taking its summer skills coaching courses across the water to the Western Isles.

Thanks to a link-up with ferry operator CalMac, they are running two 'Train like a Pro' football sessions at Daliburgh, South Uist next month. 

The club are sending over a team of UEFA qualified coaches to provide some professional coaching to the island's young players in partnership with Southend Community Football Club.

Southend CFC, Secretary, Christine Lindsay said:

'SFCC is very much looking forward to welcoming coaches from Greenock Morton to Uist and providing a camp open to youngsters from across the Islands. The camp in 2018 was a great success and we are confident that our young players will have a valuable and fun experience. We would like to express our gratitude to Morton and CalMac for supporting the camp and enabling local players to get this opportunity.'

As well as academy standard coaching sessions, the coaches will deliver workshops on diet, nutrition and well being workshops to pass on the very latest developments in the wider game. 

Morton will start the season playing in the Scottish Championship again.

Morton in the Community, Chief Executive, Brian McLaughlin said: 

'We are delighted to be heading North West to work in partnership with SFCC. We hope all players in attendance enjoy the 'Train Like a Pro' camp and workshops. Massive thanks to CalMac for supporting our basic travel which means we can support SFCC financially.'

CalMac is providing transport and core costs for the coaching team to get over to Uist and back. Their contribution means all the income generated by the sessions will stay within the community of South Uist.

Director of Community and Stakeholder Engagement Brian, Fulton added: 

'As our local club here in Inverclyde we have a long association with Morton FC and were eager to support this latest initiative. It will give young people living on Uist an opportunity to develop their skills with professional coaches, an opportunity that would not normally be available to them. Our support will help sustain future sessions bringing the long term health and well being benefits football brings to even more young people.'

The coaching session take place on August 8, 9, contact Christine at tinomacq@yahoo.co.uk for details of how to book a place.

Picture shows: Morton in the Community, Chief Executive, Brian McLaughlin and Cappie the Cat are joined on a recce for their upcoming trip by CalMac Port Assistants Rhianna McMahon and Carron MacPhee (R) on board the MV Clansman.