Fifteen-year-old Ewan Summers got a taste of the East of Scotland League last Saturday.
And it has fuelled the Luncarty youngster’s determination to be involved with the senior team on a regular basis.
Summers came off the bench in the Bleachers’ South Challenge Cup second round triumph away at St Andrews.
The Perthshire side secured a hard-fought 2-0 win to advance to the next round of the competition.
For Summers, a member of the club’s 2007 team, it proved to be a rewarding experience and one he is keen to sample more of in the coming weeks and months.
“To be included in the squad was a great feeling,” he explained . “I got to see how the coaches and players prepared for the match, to see their mood before the game and how much they encouraged each other.”
Of course, it was a special moment when manager Robbie Holden and the Luncarty coaching team decided to give him the nod in the second half.
Summers continued: “It was great to get on the pitch as I got to experience how hard the players worked for each other during the game, the instructions they gave each other and me.
“I also got to feel how fast the play was and how quick my football has to be.
“It has really helped me see what I can do to keep improving and encourage my team-mates.
“It has made me even more determined to keep working hard, so I can reach this level.”
A number of younger members at the club have been training with the senior team.
“It’s been great for some of my team-mates to take part in the training sessions as it is really fast and hard work,” Summers added.
“It helps us get better each week and it also helps push the other players in our team, as they want to be part of the training as well.
“Recently we have started to play even better as a team and be a lot louder on the pitch as we have now seen what it is like at the higher level.
“I have really enjoyed coming through the Luncarty FC pathway as I have been settled at one club where everyone helps and supports each other at every level to improve and work hard.”
