TULLIBODY’S Josh Gillespie couldn’t hide his delight after he had the once in a lifetime opportunity to lift a regional trophy at Clyde FC’s Broadwood Stadium in front of past and present Scotland internationals.

Gillespie, 12, was Lornshill FC’s ‘Community Captain’ at The Bank of Scotland Midnight League Central Regional Final on Friday and his team went on to win the Junior Boys (12-13) category, before having the chance to meet former internationals Alex Rae and Ian Murray, as well as current Scotland Womens star Hayley Lauder.

The Bank of Scotland Midnight League is a network of five-a-side football games that aims to keep youngsters aged between 12 and 16 off the streets and give them something to do on a Friday and Saturday night.

Run in partnership with the Scottish FA, and supported by the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme, local council or trust funding, the Bank of Scotland Midnight League programme has expanded over the last 13 years to be established in all 32 Scottish local authorities with more than 7,000 young people participating across 100 communities each year.

The ‘Community Captains’ initiative was new this year and sees each participating skipper handed key responsibilities, which includes organising their squad’s attendance, encouraging good behaviours, and promoting the sessions.

Lornshill Academy pupil Josh said: “I won player of the tournament and the overall tournament, which was an amazing feeling and it was a brilliant day. I am really proud to win the tournament and I know my team are all really proud of our efforts as well.

“I am the team’s captain and this tournament helps show the importance of teamwork, communication and how being a good captain can help the team. It was brilliant to play in a professional stadium and it was an amazing experience to meet former professional footballers.

“I have never met any professional players before so it was brilliant to be able to do that as well.”

The Bank of Scotland Midnight League Central Regional Final at Clyde FC saw 150 youngsters take part and another of those in attendance was former Hibs and Rangers midfielder Murray, who is currently working as a scout for Middlesbrough.

And the 35-year-old was hugely impressed.

Murray said: “The Midnight League is brilliant. The kids all have a smile on their face and have really enjoyed themselves, while there has been that competitive edge. To host it at a professional stadium and to have it supported by the Bank of Scotland and the SFA is brilliant.

“It is hugely important that we keep boys and girls active and doing any sport, and it is important that they enjoy it. The hardest part is keeping kids involved with sport but going by the reaction of these kids today, hopefully the Bank of Scotland Midnight League will continue to grow in the coming years.”

Bank of Scotland Midnight League is a free national network of diversionary 5-a-side football activity, targeting male and females between 12 to 16 year olds across the country. For more information please visit: www.scottishfa.co.uk/midnightleague