A GOUROCK YAC player who rubbed shoulders with some of the greats of Scottish football is now inspiring a new generation to follow in his footsteps.

Paul Church was the first Gourock YAC player to be picked for the national select team and capped for the Scottish Juvenile side. 

He played in a Graeme Souness select against an Old Firm XI in front of 5,000 people to mark the opening of the clubhouse in 1988 and is pictured chasing Lisbon Lions legend, the late Jimmy Johnstone.

Paul said: “I remember facing Jinky well. It was quite a day.

“It was a great honour to play against players such as Jimmy, Tommy Gemmell, Bobby Lennox and Davie Wilson. 

“I got all those opportunities thanks to Gourock YAC, who I joined as a very young boy.

“I was fortunate to be selected for the Scottish Juvenile team when at the club.”

Paul is now appealing for stars of the future to register for the club’s seven-a-sides competition, which dates back to 1978 and has been enjoyed by thousands of young people over the years. 

He is being joined by two YAC honorary members who have helped to organise the club for a combined total of 80 years and have now returned to help in an advisory capacity.

Ronnie Ahlfeld, honorary chairman, said: “We plan to take the club to a new level.

I would like to thank Robert Love and Stephen Houlihan and the rest of the team for their outstanding management over the last eight years or so.

“Their efforts have been magnificent.”

Brian Woods, honorary treasurer, added: “A new organisation has been assembled, including some of the old guard.

“I think the future will be every bit as exciting as was our past.

“We hope to make some important announcements in the months ahead.

“We are a community organisation and will be working to ensure this continues long into the future.”

Under the new set-up, general manager Robert Ahlfeld will handle the running of the club, coaching, team matters, investment and club refurbishment. 

Registration for the YAC seven-a-side tourney is now under way and will continue on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the clubhouse on George Road between 6.30 and 7.15pm.

The tournament will kick off next month and continue until the end of September.

Pictured are Brian Woods,  Paul Church, Robert Ahlfeld, Ronnie Ahlfeld and youngsters from the YAC.