New Cumnock is welcoming in its next generation of footballing stars with newly established team Glenafton Mini Minors.

The club, aimed at kids of nursery and early primary school age, gives youngsters the opportunity to hone their skills, train beneath experienced coaches and have lots of fun in the process.

Headed up by chairman Jim Marshall and coach Steven Davidson alongside a host of other excited committee members, the sessions, which have been up and running for two months, have proved a hit with parents and minis alike.

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To stand the club in good stead, a series of fundraisers have now been organised, namely a sponsored walk through New Cumnock and even a Sober October challenge.

Jim explained: “There are no boys’ teams in New Cumnock anymore so we thought we’d start with the young ones and progress from there.

“We’re looking to apply to the SYFA to see about registering as a team for next year, plus we’re seeing if we can get a girls team involved, too.

“It’s really taking off in the village. We’ve got about 30 kids now so we’re over the moon.

“We asked for coaches, first aiders and people with PVGs and were inundated with people wanting to help out.”

With winter round the corner, the training sessions currently taking place twice a week in the local park will be moved to every Thursday in the Town Hall.

Jim commended those getting behind the Mini Minors as they embark on an undoubtedly successful run as the town’s new footballing rivals.

He continued: “Their strips were donated by the New Cumnock running club and their supporters and there’s also a sponsored walk happening in the middle of the school holidays.

“Hopefully the kids will come along with parents as we’re trying to get everyone involved.”

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Vice Chair Reagan O’Hara is also doing her bit for the club by ditching the booze as part of Sober for October alongside committee member Marie Mackie.

All funds raised will go towards the club’s costs.

Reagan, whose son Leyton, five, attends the sessions, said: “My son absolutely loves it. It really helped with his transition into P1.

“It’s for kids to come and socialise and run about and have what they might not be getting in school at the moment.

“We have a target of £200 so if we make it to that, great.

“We’re keen to keep the sessions going over the winter and to have the funds for things like paying the hall let, buying more equipment and keeping the cost to families low.

“I’m sure I’ll get on alright and Marie and I will be there to spur each other on. No doubt we’ll be making arrangements for when it hits November 1.”

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