In the latest instalment of our Academy Monthly series, we reflect on a hugely exciting last month in the Gers youth ranks.
It was a proud moment for all involved in the Academy as Findlay Curtis lit up Ibrox on Russell Martin’s European bow as Head Coach, netting an outstanding strike against Panathinaikos to break the deadlock in UEFA Champions League qualifying action.
Curtis has been at the club since the age of six and beamed afterwards: “I am speechless and just delighted, and it is obviously another step in my career. I started in a Champions League qualifier, which, if you asked me two weeks ago, I don't think I would've imagined, but I am absolutely delighted.
“I found out the day before that I was starting, so I was texting my mum and dad and telling them that, and they both started crying, so my thanks go to them because they have taken me here, there and everywhere.”
The second-half strike came off the back of the 19-year-old, making his first Gers start in the contest and just a few short days after netting his first-ever senior goal against Club Brugge in a pre-season encounter.
The teenager followed up his European exploits with the leveller in a friendly against Middlesbrough three days later, reacting first to a loose ball in a crowded penalty box.
There were also appearances for Academy duo Josh Gentles and Zander Hutton, who have been part of the first-team squad across pre-season and into the start of the competitive campaign.
Both players started in the draw against 'Boro in Govan, as did Academy graduate Bailey Rice, and have featured in the matchday squads throughout UEFA Champions League qualifying for Martin’s side.
Zander Hutton last month committed his future to the club alongside his younger brother, Ben, who himself signed professional terms with the club ahead of his 16th birthday.
Speaking upon signing his contract extension, Zander commented: “I want to continue where I’m at, keep trying to progress and enjoy playing my football. I take every day as it comes in and I’ll work as hard as I can."
Ben, meanwhile, credited the influence of his older brother in helping show the pathway at the Gers Academy, adding: “It gives me a lot of confidence to see how Zander has progressed in the last few years. I’ve seen how much hard work he’s put into his journey, and he’s now starting to progress into the first-team.”
Elsewhere, Academy graduate Mason Munn has made his first steps into senior football as he joined Dunfermline Athletic on a season-long loan and immediately registered a clean sheet on his debut for the club.
Defender Jack Wyllie has also recently joined Kelty Hearts of League One for the season, while goalkeeper Alfie Halliwell will gain valuable senior experience this campaign with Albion Rovers of the Lowland League.
In the meantime, the club’s Under-19s side ramped up their pre-season preparations, enjoying strong tests against Middlesbrough Under-21s and a senior Hartlepool United outfit infront of a buoyant crowd.
Stevie Smith’s side have been boosted by the news that Calum Adamson, Wyllie, Lyle Wark, Oliver Hynd and Greig Thackray have all penned contract extensions. 16-year-old Max Cameron, who wasn’t short of interest from elsewhere, James Reid, joining the club from Queen’s Park, and Sam Reid have also signed their first professional contracts and will form part of the Under-19s side this season.
At Under-17 level, the team returned for pre-season last month and participated at the annual SuperCup in Northern Ireland. The young side recorded two victories and reached the SCNI Globe Play-Off where they lost out to Mexican outfit Tigres.
Lastly, the draw for the Under-19s' KDM Evolution Trophy was made and has paired the young Gers with away trips to Stenhousemuir, Stranraer, Queen of the South, Annan Athletic, Dumbarton and Hamilton Academical in the league phase of the revamped competition.
The side will kick off their campaign in the competition this Tuesday evening against Stenhousemuir at Ochilview Park.
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