THE young stars of Alloa Wasps 2000 team are gearing up for the biggest games of their lives, when they represent Scotland in the Coalfields Regeneration Trust Home Internationals.

Players from all over the county and in Kincardine will face counterparts from England and Wales at Stirling Albion’s Forthbank Stadium on Saturday, Aug 27.

And the Scots have a lot to live up to, having won last year’s event in Wales.

The CRT laid on a special briefing session for the Alloa team members and their parents at Dunmar House Hotel earlier this month.

Team coach David Christie said: “Everyone was very impressed with how thorough the briefing was, and hearing the details of the programme really brought it all home to the lads.

“They are thrilled to be representing Scotland and we can’t thank the CRT for giving them the chance to play for their country.

“I know they will give it 100 per cent when they take to the field.”

The Alloa Wasps squad includes Sam McGhee, 15, from Alloa; Jakob Monk, 14, from Dollar; Brandon Denkaat, 15, from Kincardine; and Breanden McDade, 15, from Sauchie.

Also called up are Josh Shanks,14, from Kincardine; Tyler Adamson, 14, from Sauchie; and Jake Maclean, 15, from Alloa.

Team captain Tyler Adamson said: “We were thrilled when we won the chance to represent our country at the qualifying tournament, and now the closer it gets the more excited we are.

“We’re really looking forward to running onto the pitch and trying to win for Scotland.”

Caroline McGhee, whose son Sam is the team goalie, added: “I think it is great what the CRT is doing for the boys. Like so many families round here we have connections with the mining industry through Sam’s granddad and great granddad, and that makes it all a bit special.”

The tournament runs from 10am-noon on Saturday with free admission to the Forthbank Stadium. After the prize-giving ceremony and lunch the lads will take in the Dunfermline and Queen of the South match at East End Park.

Bob Young, Scottish trustee of the CRT, said: “We would love to retain the title especially as we are hosting this year’s Coalfields Home Internationals, but this event is about so much more than just winning.

“It is a great character building experience, and we know from past tournaments that it helps the lads widen their horizons, and realise how much they can achieve, both on and off the pitch.”