Hutchison Vale make it a happy 21st for stalwarts

Dedication to youth football was celebrated in style at Hutchison Vale's 21st presentation dance at Easter Road, with players and coaches of one of the Capital's most successful outfits receiving recognition for their loyalty and effort over the years.

Individual awards were presented to Hutchie youngsters and off-field staff who have given five, ten, and 20 years of service to the club.

Several players across all age groups received five-year mementos, while a handful were bestowed with The Dougie Alan award for a decade of influence - players Jordan Hunter, Katie Flockhart, Nicola Russell and Andrew Munro alongside coaches Victor Togneri and Leslie Trotter.

Mr Trotter gained his reward for serving the club both as a player and, after sustaining a severe injury, as coach over the past ten years. "The club offered me the chance to obtain my coaching badges after I had to stop playing, which I was grateful for," he says. "After that, I was given the opportunity of coaching the under-8 team."

The sole 20-year prize was presented to James Stanton, current coach of Hutchie's crack under-13 team and former mentor of Hibs youngsters Grant Brebner, Ian Murray and Kevin Thomson. "My involvement began when I took my grandson along to Hutchie," says Mr Stanton, who also served the Easter Road club as reserve coach and scout.

"I started watching the games and then I was asked if I'd like to help out. At Hutchison Vale, the players can work on mistakes and we encourage them to play the right way."

A special reception was afforded to Anna Donald, a member of the successful Hutchison Vale women's team who won the Stevie Taylor Award for outstanding contribution. When asked why she felt she had received the award, she said: "Longevity mainly. I've been here since the women's team was set up. I have to juggle football, my professional life and my kids."

With three younger girls teams, Ms Donald feels her award should provide motivation for future generations of female footballers at the club. "With the stuff in the news about women's football it's important they have a positive experience and role models to look up to," she said.

Young Hibernian first teamers Paul Hanlon and Danny Galbraith developed their considerable talents at Vale as youngsters and were proud guests of honour at the ceremony. "Neither of us would have come as far as we have without Hutchie," said Hanlon.

Tam Smith, team manager of the under-13 boys explained the significance of the club's show of appreciation to its players and staff. "It is not a divisive evening - there are no player of the year awards. The awards are all about loyalty to the club. The evening underlines the principles we hold. There is no difference between any age group or any team. It is all about the kids enjoying their football."