A FANTASTIC footballing duo are getting ready to mark the end of an era and kick off a new chapter with a fun-filled extravaganza at the Beacon. 

Morton in the Community project workers Paddy McAlees and Shaun MacDonald have created a unique stage show which they will perform in Greenock  next weekend. 

Paddy retired from his role at Morton in the Community last year after working with families for nine years.

The dedicated coach says the show will help him say farewell to everyone he has worked with, and will let everyone get to know Shaun, who will be taking on his role. 

All proceeds from the variety showcase will be donated to charity.

Paddy, 66, wanted to bow out from his coaching role in style and introduce Shaun in a fun way. 

He added: "So many parents have been coming up to me telling me that the kids are going to miss me, so I want to do this for them.

"Everyone has been so supportive over the years and this is my way of thanking them, and letting them know everyone is in good hands with Shaun. 

"We're ready for it, I'm going to go out with a party!"

The stage show 'Now the fun begins with Paddy & Shaun' will be packed with comedy sketches, stories, music and dancing - and there will even be a special mystery guest. 

Paddy says family holidays to Blackpool inspired him to create a proper variety show for the people of Inverclyde. 

He said: "I love all of those shows, the comedy and the singing. 

"I want to recreate that.

"It's a real family show and we're expecting to see tots right up to people in their eighties and nineties in the audience."

Greenock Telegraph:
The pair originally booked the Beacon's studio theatre with a capacity of 125 for the show, but moved to the main theatre after the tickets sold out in just two weeks. 

Paddy said he made the decision to retire last summer when Shaun was given a contract with Morton in the Community.

Paddy said: "I just realised that the time was right. 

"Shaun had been given a full-time contract and we had brought in two new apprentices, so it was all looking good. 

"Shaun has a great personality and a wonderful imagination and the kids absolutely love him.

"He has so many fresh ideas."

Shaun, 26, says he and a team of three coaches will be working with around 800 kids every week.

The dedicated coach says he's learned 'so much' from Paddy. 

He added: "I worked with him on my very first day as a volunteer in the summer camps. 

"I'm going to take everything I've learned and put my own spin on it, and make sure I pass my knowledge onto the other coaches. 

"We want to make Morton in the Community even bigger and better for the kids and take things to the next level.

"We're already introducing new activities and taking bookings for birthday parties. 

"We want to make parents and kids happy and continue improving lives with football."

Paddy says while there will be a lot of fun at the show, he admits he will be a bit emotional too.

He added: "Being part of Morton in the Community has been an honour and I have loved every minute. 

"It's been wonderful  meeting all the families and I want to thank everyone for all their support over the years. 

"They've all been fantastic."

*'Now the fun begins with Paddy and Shaun' is on at the Beacon Arts Centre on Saturday, January 27 from 2.30pm. Tickets cost £5 and can be booked by calling 01475 723723 or visiting www.beaconartscentre.co.uk