An Angus boys’ club have claimed silverware in the Netherlands after ex-Dundee United hero Fred van der Hoorn teed up an unforgettable experience for the gifted youngsters.
Monifieth Athletic, coached by Luc Bollan — son of another ex-Tangerines favourite Gary Bollan — swept aside their rivals at the 2023 Easter Open in Sassenheim, a town 25 miles south of Amsterdam.
The under-14s side defeated the Barnsley & District Schools FA, who included youngsters training with English Premier League giants Chelsea, in their decisive fixture and crossed swords with sides from the host nation.
Monifeith’s kids were also afforded the opportunity to tour the Amsterdam Arena, home of Dutch powerhouse Ajax, as they relished a unique adventure abroad last weekend.
“It was a chance to give the kids an experience they would never forget,” Bollan told Courier Sport. “A few of the boys had never been on a plane before, let alone been at an airport with all their pals!
“We went on a tour of the Amsterdam Arena on the Friday and then they were running about the hotel daft, having a great time.
“The tournament was a brilliant set-up; two astro-turf pitches, food, drink, music — but, credit to the boys, once the competition started, it was down to business and they were unbelievable.
“When they won the first match, you could see them thinking ‘we’re not just here to take part, we want to win this’. We’re really proud of them. There were tears from coaches, parents and the kids when they won the trophy on Sunday.”
He added: “It was Freddy van der Hoorn, who played at United with my dad, who got us in touch with someone from TGV Sports. They run tournaments over there and the opportunity came from that.
“My dad did text Freddy this week to say, ‘the Scots came over and took your trophy!’”
Fundraising
Bollan was quick to praise the work of fellow coaches Kyle Buick, Craig Henderson and David Lowe, while Elaine Simpson — the mother of one of the players — gains a special mention for her pivotal fundraising and logistical work.
“The parents are already asking where we are going next,” smiled Bollan. “We’ve already started fundraising — bingo nights, tea stands at games. Anything that helps.
“Even if it is just down to Blackpool, that’d be great. But Barcelona has been mentioned, too. We’ll need to sit down and chat about it.
“But we definitely want to do more of these because it was a terrific experience for everyone involved. After that taste, you just want the boys to have more brilliant trips like that.”
Back to business
However, there is no rest of the wicked.
High-flying Monifieth are still in FOUR other competitions this season; the Dundee West Anniversary Cup, East Region Cup, the Reilly/Falconer Cup and the D.S. Rennie League.
And, even working with players who have not been snapped up by professional academies — some through choice — Bollan has been blown away by the talent in Dundee and Angus since taking on his coaching commitments around two years ago.
“There is so much talent in this part of the world,” lauded Bollan. “I think people can underestimate the ability of young footballers here. With the right coaching and guidance, the sky is the limit.
“A few of our boys have been in and out (of professional academies) and you can see the quality.
“The talent in Angus and Dundee has always been underestimated and there is still plenty coming through.”
Coaching bug
Indeed, it is not long ago that Bollan himself was an aspiring youngster.
He was on the books of United as a teenager, chasing the dream of following in the footsteps of his father, who played 72 times for the Tangerines and lifted the 1994 Scottish Cup.
He also played for Aberdeen at youth level.
After failing to make a senior breakthrough, Bollan endured an injury-hit spell with Brechin City.
He has now found contentment balancing part-time football at Dundee North End with his financial studies at Heriot-Watt University and coaching with Monifieth Athletic. He also works with kids at the GOAL Academy soccer school in Dundee.
Given Gary Bollan managed Livingston and Cowdenbeath, Luc has plenty of expert advice on hand — for better or worse.
But Bollan, 23, added: “I don’t think my dad needs to tell me how tough coaching is when you go further up the ladder — I saw it every week and kicked very ball with him. I felt the emotion he felt.
“We’re getting the good stuff: working with some brilliant, talented kids — and we’ll probably not get the sack if we lose at the weekend!
“However, I’ll keep working away and you never know what the future might hold. I’ve definitely got the coaching bug.”
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