An overcast evening could not cloud the high spirits as First Touch gathered in the banqueting suite of Inverkip Marina to welcome the players, coaches, families and sponsors of First Touch to the Group 1 Farewell Presentation Ceremony. A packed gathering applauded as John McClurg welcomed his superb team of coaches have given so much of their time and experience to nurture our boys.onto the platform, who Earlier Group 1 had given a magnificent demonstration of skill and tenacity in a thrilling encounter with last year’sboys. Now, they were ready to feast on the excellent meal provided by Alan McGraw and his staff at the Marina .
Master of Ceremonies extraordinaire, Jim Black had set the evening in motion. Jim had organized the boys in an original and hilarious poem of thanks to the coaches.

First up on behalf of our valued sponsors Ian Donnachie, was Coach Craig McPherson to present the Parents’ Player of the Year to Cameron Black. To thunderous applause Cammy accepted the trophy and a warm handshake from Ross Knight, last year’s winner.

Next up, John welcomed Mr Owen Quinn of Blairs of Scotland, another long serving benefactor to present The Coaches’ Player of the Season to Craig Ellis. His predecessor, Mikey McKitrick passed on the covetedshield and congratulated Craig. The audience was still applauding when Johncalled Veronica Nelis, owner of the Tontine, to present the final award- the prestigious Players’ Player- a real mark of respect from fellow players. Veronica took the stage, last year’s worthy winner Simon McBryde stood alongside, John called Brady Grierson up and the room went wild. This had been an evening when hard work and team work were acknowledged, appreciated and given some of the credit they deserve. All the boys are moving on; 2 to Kilmarnock and at least 8 to Morton with the others snapped up by developing clubs All this has its roots not just in the boys’ ability and dedication, the tireless support of parents and grandparents but above all in the commitment expertise and example set by all the coaches of First Touch.