The Aberdeen U18s face a busy few weeks as they head to Hampden next Wednesday to play Rangers in the SFA Youth Cup. Before then, on Friday afternoon at Cormack Park the young Dons play Hibernian in the league, and they are still in contention with five games to go.

It has been a remarkable effort from Scott Anderson’s side this season. Despite having a young squad this year and loaning out some key players, plus long term injuries to a number of defenders, they have still remained in the hunt for silverware.

Younger players have had to stand up and be counted.

One of those in certainly striker Fraser Mackie who has had an outstanding first season at U18 level. Another goal on Friday helped in the win over Hamilton Accies.

Fraser only joined us full time in the summer from Fraserburgh Academy, along with goalkeeper Rodrigo Vitos – meaning that two of the six lads taken on this year are from Fraserburgh. It is huge credit to the boys’ club set up in that area as they help develop players who can play at this level. Fraser and Rodrigo travelled through to Aberdeen together for all those years, so it is a great story that both have joined as full-time professionals at the same time.

“I was born and brought up in the Broch! I went to school in Fraserburgh, South Park Primary and then Fraserburgh Academy. I enjoyed growing up in the town and all my family are still there. I stay in digs during the week with Fletcher Boyd and Christovie Kondolo, and then go back most weekends to see everyone.

“Rodrigo and I went to different primary schools but knew each other as we played in the same team. We then went to the Academy together and became pals. It was a huge commitment for both our families coming through to Aberdeen three or four times a week, but our parents did share the run from time to time.”

There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to producing young players. Some have amazing natural talent, whilst others make their mark with an exemplary attitude, determination and work ethic. Fraser is a great example of a young player who works tirelessly at his game and get the rewards that go with that. He has been outstanding for the U18s this season as they continue to challenge for the league and have the SFA Youth Cup final to look forward to. His goals have been crucial to that progress.

Left footed, Fraser predominantly plays through the middle as a striker. He was top goalscorer in two really high standard European tournaments that he played in during his journey in the Academy, underlining his real eye for goal and clever movement.

“He has had to work incredibly hard this year to earn his contract,” said Gavin Levey, ex Academy Director. “He never gave up, right to the very end. We don’t give contracts away, players have to earn them. Fraser has shown resilience to overcome setbacks and every time, he has just got his head down and worked even harder. Sometimes what players like Fraser have to go through to get to this stage, and the fight they have need to show, stands them in good stead for when they come in full-time.”

Certainly Fraser did not take his first professional contract for granted and is relishing the opportunity he has earned.

“When I did get offered my pro contract it was a nice shock. I was very happy. Since I have come in full-time, the training has probably been harder than I ever could have imagined, but over time you get used to it. It is great being in the changing room with all the loons. We have a great team spirit. Everyone gets on really well.

“I joined the Aberdeen FC Academy at U10 level. I came in on trial, I did my six weeks and did well enough to get signed. I have been an Aberdeen player ever since. If I’m being honest, I never really believed I would get a professional contract. It wasn’t until I was with the U16s that I thought I had a chance. I had made it that far, so why not go one stage further?

“It was hard because I was maybe not technically the best player at every age group. I have had to work really, really hard, I had to fight. Every year it was just a case of trying to get to the next level, trying to prove that you were good enough. When I was with the U16s, that season you try and get involved with the U18s, even if it is just making an appearance on the bench. You want to be involved in the games and I got that opportunity. I did not get a massive amount of minutes for the U18s last season, but I did get a taste and it was a good experience.

“I’ve built on that and I feel this season has gone well for me personally. You always feel that you can do better and I could have scored a couple more goals, but overall, I have done ok. I have 18 goals so far, which isn’t bad. I don’t over analyse how I do. In the games I will beat myself up more and will think about chances I have maybe not taken or think about how I could have done better in certain situations. But after the game, it’s done, so there’s not a lot you can do. The coaches will show me my clips and tell me what I should do differently the next time, but that is all part of being a young player. It’s all part of the learning.

“I very much looked at what Alfie Bavidge did last season and I am trying to emulate the number of goals he scored. He set a standard last season. It’s good training with him, and seeing how he plays in games. There is a lot I can learn from him and he really has taken his game on since he has been out on loan at Kelty Hearts.

“My main strength is scoring goals – that’s always important for a striker! I am also good at using my pace and making runs in behind. My movement is a big part of my game. Like any young player, there are areas I need to work at. I need to be better at getting the ball into my feet and turning, and being a striker that can hold up the ball. I need to throw myself about and be more of a pest for defenders. I need to be strong. That’s something Alfie is so good at now.

Next week the young Dons will try and win the SFA Youth Cup for the club for a fourth time when they meet Rangers in the final.

“This season some of our football has been outstanding,” says Fraser. “It’s a great team to be part of, especially as a striker, because our attacking play is so good. Fletcher and myself have played together in the youth academy as he played up a level, so we have a good understanding already.

Then you have the likes of Cammy Wilson, Alfie Stewart and Alfie Bavidge. We have so many threats.

“The league campaign, has been a season of two halves. We were very strong up to January, then a number of the boys went on loan. It took us a few games to adjust but since then we have had another strong run. It’s strange going from being one of the younger players to one of the more experienced boys in the space of a few weeks! I try and help the U16s who have made the step up. I don’t feel any more pressure, but you do need to try and provide some leadership. We are all in it together at the end of the day. Some of them have done very well and that all bodes well for next season. We should have another strong team.

“Playing at Hampden in the Youth Cup final, it is such a big game, such a big occasion. Our families will be going. It would be so special if we could lift the cup. My mum and dad try and get to as many games as they can. My dad is offshore, so he can’t make them all but when he is home, he will come to them all. If not, my mum will come.

“It will be a very tough game, but we all believe that we are good enough to win. What is important is that we believe that on the day.”