A YOUTH football coach from the island has returned from Spain with fresh ideas, renewed inspiration and memories to last a lifetime after being selected for a prestigious coach education tour with Girona FC.
Gary McGregor, head coach of the 2013 Brandane Bulls, was one of just 12 grassroots coaches from across Scotland chosen for the three-day experience in Girona.
The opportunity came through Inspire Sport, who invited applications from grassroots coaches across Scotland. To be eligible, applicants had to meet strict criteria, including holding a recognised coaching qualification and a continuous professional development certification.
Gary said: “I was one of the lucky 12 selected out of the hundreds of applicants across Scotland.
“The group included coaches from different age groups, levels and areas, which made it even more valuable.”
Based in Lloret de Mar, the Scottish group followed an intensive itinerary that included a stadium tour at Montilivi, theory sessions, practical on-pitch workshops and extensive observation of academy training sessions.
Across the three days, the coaches watched youth teams ranging from under-8s through to under-18s, gaining insight into the club’s structured development pathway.
Gary continued: “It was an amazing opportunity to see how they run their youth age groups from under 8s through to under 18s, training them all with the same methods and key principles.
“You can clearly see the progression through the age groups when you watch them.”
The group attended a theoretical session at Montilivi Stadium before observing training first-hand at Girona’s private academy facility. On the final morning, the Scottish coaches also took part in an on-field practical session themselves.
Although Girona currently compete as a mid-table side in Spain’s top division, Gary was struck most by the club’s culture, adding: “All the coaches and staff couldn’t have been more approachable and helpful.
“There was a real friendly, togetherness and welcoming atmosphere around the club. I don’t think I have a favourite part of the trip as it was all amazing and well organised. However, their football table in the home dressing room and the story behind it shows how they are the heart of the community and how they stay close to their roots.”
Gary also coaches the club’s 2017 Bulls group and regularly supports other teams within the Brandane Bulls set-up. Since being founded in 2017, the club has grown from strength to strength and remains a key part of the island’s sporting community.
For Gary, who has been involved in grassroots coaching for seven to eight years, the trip was about learning, sharing experiences and continuing to develop.
He added: “I love to keep learning and progressing my skills, as well as working with other coaches and hearing their methods and stories.
“Any grassroots coach that gives up their free time for kids to play their hobby should be commended.”
And he believes the experience will directly benefit young players back home on Bute: “I can’t thank Inspire Sport enough for this amazing opportunity.
“I enjoyed every minute of it and hopefully I’ve been able to broaden my skills as a coach and will be able to put it into practice.”
