0405archivenews

2004/2005 Archive News

18 June 05:

The Youth Initiative season is now at an end and I think it's fair to say that Accies have had another successful season.

The under 17's and 19's did well in their respective leagues by finishing 6th and 4th respectively in leagues containing no fewer than 19 teams in each. The 19's just failed to make the Youth Cup Final for the second year in succession by losing out on goal difference to eventual winners Queen's Park.

The under 19's also had a number of players including Paul McLeod, James McArthur, Tony Stevenson, Andy Sim and Stuart Irons who all made their 1st team debut's this season.

Each and every one of the young teams produced memorable performances against SPL opposition at various points throughout the season as well as producing great form throughout the course of their normal SFL season.

As a result of all the great work going on behind the scenes, the club were awarded the top Gold award for their Youth Initiative set up and were were given an unconditional acceptance into next season's newly formed SFA Performance League.

Well done to Les Gray, Brian Cairney, John Bean and all the backroom and coaching staff for all their hard work and effort throughout the season.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported this website and the popular 'Youth Forum' throughout the season. Lastly but definitely not least I would like to thank the youth players for their contributions on the field and at training and their parents and relatives for their commitment and support throughout the season, without that commitment and support we could not have achieved all that we have here at Accies this season.

The Final League tables and League Cup results have been updated and can be viewed by visiting the League Tables page.

Kind regards to you all.

Robert McMillan
AYI Editor

14 May 05:

The under 17's finished 3rd and the under 19's finished as runner-up in their respective League Cup sections.

The 17's finished 5 points behind section winners Airdrie United and the 19's lost out on goal difference (by 2 goals) to Queen's Park despite scoring 9 goals in their last two matches.

The League tables have also been updated and can be viewed by visiting the League Tables page.

16 April 05:

The Club Contact List, Initiative Fixture Lists, Squad Lists, 17's/19's League Cup Fixture List and Results have all been updated.

I hope to have a 17's and 19's 'up to date' League Table soon.

10 March 05:

UNDER 17 SFL YOUTH LEAGUE CUP DRAW

The under 17 SFL Youth League Cup competition has now been drawn and will begin week commencing Sun 20 March 05.

The competition will be grouped in two Sections of nine with each club playing their respective opponents once giving a total of seven matches.

Thereafter the winners of each Section will contest a Final over one leg which shall be played week commencing Sun 15 May 05.

Under 17 - Section 1	Under 17 - Section 2
Airdrie United	Alloa Athletic
Ayr United	Arbroath
Berwick Rangers	Cowdenbeath
Gretna	Elgin City
Hamilton Academical	Falkirk
Morton	Raith Rovers
Queen's Park	Stenhousemuir
St. Mirren	Stirling Albion

24 February 05:

UNDER 19 SFL YOUTH LEAGUE CUP DRAW

The under 19 SFL Youth League Cup competition has now been drawn and will begin week commencing Sun 20 March 05.

The competition will be grouped in two Sections of nine with each club playing their respective opponents once giving a total of seven matches.

Thereafter the winners of each Section will contest a Final over one leg which shall be played week commencing Sun 15 May 05.

Under 19 - Section 1	Under 19 - Section 2
Albion Rovers	Alloa Athletic
Clyde	Arbroath
Cowdenbeath	Falkirk
Gretna	Forfar Athletic
Hamilton Academical	Ross County
Queen of the South	St. Johnstone
Queen's Park	Stenhousemuir
St. Mirren	Stirling Albion

24 February 05:

YOUTH INITIATIVE FIXTURES UPDATED

The Youth Initiative Fixture List has now been updated with the remaining fixtures for the rest of the season.

Click here to view the complete fixture list.

4 February 05:

LEAGUE TABLES UPDATED

The SFL Youth Division League tables have now been updated. The Accies 17's are currently sitting in 2nd place in a 19 team league and the 19's are currently in 6th place, also in a 19 team league.

Click Here to view the tables.

1 February 05:

NEW CHIEF SCOUT APPOINTMENT

Head of youth Development John Bean is delighted to announce that we have a new Head Scout at the club in the form of Willie Melville. John said, "Willie previously worked for Livingston FC and Rangers FC and is a man that gets the job done."

We are also delighted to have the services of George Clarke, formerly of St. Johnstone FC, Livingston FC and Rangers FC.

John continued, "With scouts of the calibre of these guys on board the stakes are now raised. We are striving to be the best youth initiative programme in Scotland with top quality facilities, coaching staff, sport science support and now talent identification."

20 January 05:

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AWARD GRANT

On behalf of the Board, Les Gray, Vice-Chairman, and Director with overall responsibility for Youth Development, reveals some very good news:-

"I am delighted to announce that the club have once again been awarded the Scottish Football Association's highest level of grant aid towards youth development and youth performance criteria. All at the club are absolutely delighted to receive this very welcome recognition and the financial award, which is in excess of £25,000.

Since coming into Accies 18 months ago we have revamped the youth set-up and put a visibly and significantly increased commitment to the overall quality, in terms of the coaches that we have and the set-up and facilities that we can offer. The idea being, of course, that good and better players will develop here and that we can attract and retain the finest talent.

A lot of this is down to the hard work put in by John Bean, Youth Development Manager, who prepared the submission on behalf of the club, together with all the various age group coaches. As the SFA are moving towards different and higher levels of performance criteria from next season, and to merge the SPL and SFL clubs, so that those clubs with the highest standards and best facilities are competing against each other, we very much intend to be a part of that and as a result the various submissions and criteria which we had to meet were much higher overall this year, and for the top award in particular. Clubs have to meet certain levels, in terms of coach qualifications, commitment to sports science, player education, diet and nutrition, fitness and health monitoring and evaluation, facilities on offer, player talent identification, coach and scout registration with Disclosure Scotland, amongst many others. With John Bean (an SFA Youth Licence holder) and Mark Robinson (our Sports Science and Conditioning expert) full time at the club and all our coaches (including our u19 players) presently going through the various SFA Youth Coaching awards, at various levels, together with our centralised training facility with the fieldturf pitch here at NDP, as well as offering specialised goalkeeping training, Hamilton Accies are perfectly placed to develop future talent here with coaches, facilities and, of course, players that are the envy of many.

We regularly stage two and three matches on Sundays here at the stadium, from under 11s to under 19s, and the fact that there are frequently as many scouts from so-called bigger clubs, as parents, watching these games is proof. But the idea is to retain these players for our benefit here at Accies and not to lose them to clubs elsewhere.

With the quality of coaches we have, the people running the youth set-up and the administration behind it, the particular training programmes and the facilities here at the stadium that we can offer, our regular matches in the SFA Youth Initiative set-up, as well as our regular 'friendlies' (and victories!) against SPL sides, our medical and physio support, our educational programmes and advice, all tell us that we are moving ahead in the right direction. The whole club, from the Chairman Ronnie MacDonald, in particular, all the way down, have a massive commitment to youth development and to ensure that Hamilton Accies are going to be up there, and ahead of, the other top clubs in youth development.

The criteria that required to be met to comply with the SFA award were tougher than in previous years. We have also been visited by people from the SFA's Football Development department, who have viewed our overall set-up for youths. From watching training sessions involving various teams on midweek nights, to examining much of the computer and technical based information and data-bases on each players' performance and fitness levels, to assessing the quality of people we have, to taking in actual games, along with an analysis of facilities and club commitment. The representatives from the SFA clearly were impressed. It's not easy, and it is a lot of hard work by all of the people involved.

The club's commitment to youth and annual spending is well in excess of £100,000. I am personally delighted that we have been given this top level recognition by the national association and can assure everyone that we shall continue to work hard here to provide the best that we are able to offer."

Les Gray
Vice-Chairman
Director with overall responsibility for Youth Development

The Hamilton Accies Youth Set-Up continually seeks sponsorship or involvement from companies or individuals. If you or your company would like to donate towards this vital youth development, or associate yourselves in some way with Accies Youth, please do not hesitate to contact Directors Les Gray, Brian Cairney or Scott Struthers, or Head of Youth Development John Bean.

17 January 05:

An under strength under 19 team who were minus 6 players, defeated Alloa Athletic by 3 goals to 1 yesterday at NDP. Two goals from Paul McLeod and one from James McArthur gave Accies a 3-0 lead, before Alloa pulled one back late on in the game.

Accies never really looked in trouble and under 17's players Tony Stevenson and David Murray who were drafted into the team because of the 6 missing players both did extremely well.

The under 17's lost 5-2 to Queen's Park at NDP later in the afternoon in a match that should have been the 'Spiders' home game, but had to be switched due to a waterlogged pitch.

7 January 05:

Congratulations to under 19's top scorer Paul McLeod who made his well deserved first team debut against Queen of the South at Palmerston Park, Dumfries on New Years Day.

Paul not only had a winning debut but he also scored a wonderful goal to cap off a great day for both Paul and the Accies Youth System.

24 December 04:

On behalf of everyone involved with the Accies Youth Initiative, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the Players, Coaches, Parents, Relatives and Fans who have supported the various teams throughout the season;

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

All the best

Robert McMillan
AYI Editor

21 December 04:

The Accies Youth team fixtures are now officially on the SFA Winter break, although some age groups will continue training and playing friendly matches over the festive period. Team Coaches will let players know their individual team arrangements.

20 December 04:

The under 19's re-arranged League fixture against Partick Thistle was called off due to a frozen pitch at 10:30am on Sunday morning after a Referee's inspection. The match will be re-arranged again in the New Year.

The under 17's had no match this week.

14 December 04:

The under 17's defeated Ayr United by 3 goals to 1 at New Douglas Park on Sunday and handed them only their second defeat of the season.

The under 19's match against Queen's Park was called off.

7 December 04:

The under 19's won 2-0 against Queen of the South at New Douglas Park on Sunday with James McArthur scoring in 65 seconds and top scorer Paul McLeod making his usual contribution by scoring on 12 minutes. A good victory for Accies, which was their 5th straight win in the League.

During the victory Accies Full Back Ryan McGregor had to come off the field with a serious head injury which later had to treated at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where he received several stitches to an open head wound. Ryan is likely to be out of action for about 7 to 10 days.

6 December 04:

The under 17's won 2-0 away from home against Berwick Rangers on Sunday with Paul McLean and Scott Anson scoring the goals.

29 November 04:

The under 17's were away to St. Mirren yesterday. They turned in a fantastic performance and won the match by 2 goals to 0. Brian Easton and Mark Renfrew were on target for Accies.

27 November 04:

Last week's under 17's and 19's away fixtures were both POSTPONED due to frozen pitches.

However, the League tables have now been updated and can be viewed by clicking here or on the League Tables link on the left hand side of the page.

20 November 04:

Tomorrow's under 19's league match against Ross County at Dingwall has been POSTPONED due to a frozen pitch. The match will be re-arranged for the New Year.

16 November 04:

As expected, both the under 17's and 19's returned to winning form against Stirling Albion at the weekend. Both teams had to come from a goal behind before registering comfortable wins against the Beano's.

The 17's ran out 7-1 winners with Scott Anson (4), Mark McAlpine (2) and Tony Stevenson all finding the back of the net for Accies.

The 19's won 3-1 with Ryan O'Donnell (2) and Andy Sim scoring for Accies.

Next weekend the 17's are away to Morton, whilst the 19's have a long trip to Dingwall to face Ross County.

8 November 04:

Not a great weekend for the under 17's and under 19's with both teams narrowly losing.

The 17's suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of local rivals Airdrie United whilst the 19's were knocked out of the SFA Youth Cup by 2 goals to nil at the hands of SPL high fliers Heart of Midlothian.

Both teams will be hoping to bounce back with League games against Stirling Albion this weekend at New Douglas Park. Kick off times still to be confirmed.

31 October 04:

The under 17's and under 19's both recorded excellent wins earlier today at New Douglas Park with both teams having to come from behind in order to gain their victories.

The under 17's ran out comfortable 2-1 winners over Queen of the South whilst the under 19's recorded an excellent 3-1 win over League leaders Falkirk. Both teams turned in excellent second half performances in which they dominated their opponents and played some excellent football.

23 October 04:

The under 17's and under 19's League tables have now been updated and can be viewed by Clicking Here or on the League Tables link within the navigation bar on the left side of any of the web pages.

17 October 04:

The under 17's had a free week this week, whilst the under 19's entertained Stenhousemuir at New Douglas Park.

The 19's won 3-2 despite being 2-1 down at half time. Murphy, Lawley and ??? scored for Accies.

10 October 04:

Both the under 17's and under 19's were away from home this weekend.

The under 17's drew 2-2 at Cowdenbeath whilst the under 19's had to suffer a nail biting penalty shoot out before winning their 2nd round SFA Youth Cup tie at Berwick Rangers.

The under 19's match finished 0-0 after 90mins despite dominating the match from start to finish. Paul McLeod netted to put Accies into the lead 3mins into extra time but Berwick equalised in injury time of extra time to take the match to penalties.

The story of the penalties:
1. Berwick's 1st pen saved by Gary McLenaghan, Stuart Irons scored 0-1
2. Berwick scored, Paul McLeod scored 1-2
3. A Berwick sub misses, Andy Sim then sees his saved, still 1-2
4. Berwick score and Graham Tough scores 2-3
5. Berwick score to level at 3-3 with Ryan McGregor hitting the final penalty but he unfortunately hits the bar 3-3
Sudden death:
6. Gary McLenaghan saves Berwick's next effort, Sean McGuire hits the winner 3-4 !!

3 October 04:

The under 17's and 19's both had home fixtures this weekend at New Douglas Park. The 17's drew 1-1 with Raith Rovers and the 19's defeated St. Mirren by 4 goals to 2.

27 September 04:

The under 17's and under 19's had mixed fortunes at the weekend. The 17's won 2-1 at Arbroath whilst the 19's lost 7-3 at St. Johnstone in a bizarre match in which 2 Accies substitutes were ordered off.

Here is 'Stanistheman's report on the 19's match:

The 19s lost 7-3 on Sunday in a bizarre match at St. Johnstone. We had two substitutes sent off, both for 2 bookings and some decisions that could only be described as bizarre.

Saints scored in 6 mins, Stuart Irons, who played well, equalised in 16 mins. At the start of the 2nd half Saints scored a 2nd goal that people thought was offside, the ref blew his whistle as the player went to shoot, so everyone thought it was offside, but the ball goes back into the net and all our lot are left asking what decision the ref has given, but the goal stood. Saints then raced into a 5-1 lead, a couple of cheap goals given away it has to be said unfortunately, but we then deservedly got a couple back through the once again impressive Paul McLeod in 76 and 79, but Saints scored two more as we had subs O'Donnell and Nicoll sent off in the 67th and 87th mins.

Accies Team: McLenaghan, McGregor (Howe 65), McGeoghegan, Tough, McGuire (Nicoll 57), Irons, Sim, Buckley (O'Donnell 20), McLeod. McArthur, C Reid

St Johnstone goals: 7, 50, 60, 70, 72, 81 and 87mins
Accies goals: Irons 16, Mcleod 76 and 79

O'Donnell sent off 67, Nicoll sent off 87.

Report by 'Stanistheman'

21 September 04:

The under 14's will be training at NDP on Friday 24 Sept 04 at 7:30pm until 9:00pm.
Players should report at 6:45pm for the Gretna post match discussion and to be issued with their NEW TRAINING GEAR.

09 September 04:

The Under 13's to 19's Squad Lists have now been updated and be viewed by Clicking Here or on the 'Squad Lists' hyperlink on the navigation bar on the left side of any page of the website.

07 September 04:

Accies Children's Development Programme Gets Underway

The NEW Accies Children's Development Programme was very successfully launched on Monday with various newspapers and a film crew from the BBC all present. Over 130 children aged between 5 and 12 attended. Accies' Vice-Chairman Les Gray commented, "I was absolutely delighted by the way the whole project got off to a flying start. The first team players were there and had their pictures taken with the kids and it was great to see so many happy faces and to see and hear the excitement of kids scoring a goal on our hallowed turf.

"It is my intention to oversee and create a Professional Youth Initiative and Children's Development Programme that will be the envy of every other senior club and at the same time show that our doors are firmly open to the youth in our community and in doing so turn the Accies into a professionally run Community club. It was fantastic to see so many kids in the red and white hoops and in Scotland tops and they have all been informed in writing that we WILL NOT allow the colours of any other SCOTTISH team to be worn during our sessions."

Les added, "As a measure of how important we view this programme to the future of our club, I have appointed Caroline Hargreaves as our new full-time Youth Development Coordinator and she will be responsible for the smooth running, marketing and child/parent liaison during the course of the season.

Once the sessions on Monday to Friday are all up and running we will then introduce soccer sevens FOOTBALL FESTIVALS on Saturday and Sunday mornings and this will allow our registered children to actively take part in organised games etc. I would also like to offer this opportunity to the local 7-a side teams who currently play elsewhere with a view to having soccer sevens tournaments operating throughout the season".

"The one thing that must be made absolutely clear is that under no circumstances will our new facility be LET OUT to anyone as we will use it exclusively for the benefit of the Accies first team, our Professional Youth Teams and our new Development Programme. John Bean ably assisted by Mark Robinson will supervise the coaching and games utilising our qualified coaches. John Bean has now been appointed as our Full time Head of Youth Development reporting directly to me."

If you would like your child to get involved in this exciting programme then you should get in touch with Caroline Hargreaves on 01698-368656, or via e-mail at caroline@accies.fc.co.uk

22 August 04:

Under 19's wing wizard Andy Sim made his first team debut against Ayr United on Tuesday 17 August 04.

Wee Andy came on with 22 minutes to go and did extremely well in a 4-1 Accies victory.

This serves as an example to all our Youth Players; work hard and your efforts will be rewarded.

Well done to wee Andy.

16 August 04:

The Fixture Lists for 2004/2005 have now been uploaded and can be viewed by visiting the Fixture List page for Accies SFA Youth Initiative Fixtures and the 17's or 19's pages for Accies SFL Youth Division (Competitive) Fixtures.

01 August 04:

The under 14's and under 15's both take on Kilmarnock tomorrow at Petershill Park, Glasgow with 11:00am and 2:00pm kick-offs respectively.