Michael signs his first professional contract

Midfielder Michael Kelly has signed his first professional contract with the Club, signing until the summer of 2016. Born in Kilmarnock, the 16 year old was part of the Glasgow Centre, where he worked with Peter Weir and was a member of the Scotland Victory Shield side last year. Michael, who can also play left back, has been playing for the Under 17’s and has also broken into the Under 20s this season. He played in the Dons squad that finished as runners-up to Celtic in this summer’s Denis Law Soccer Tournament.

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The mental toughness that you need to be a professional sportsman has again been in the spotlight recently with the England cricket team losing one of their key players. You can have all the ability in the world but without that mental strength, it is hard to make it to the top of any sport and stay there.

That strength is tested in many of our youngest players who come to Pittodrie from the Glasgow Centre or from further afield as they have to leave home at a very young age. One such player is Michael Kelly who is in his first year as a full time professional but the Scotland U17 star has already impressed everyone at Pittodrie with his ability and his maturity.

“The hardest thing about being a young professional footballer is the fact you have to move away from home. I was only 15 at the time when I moved but it’s something you just have to deal with. I want to be a professional footballer, therefore I needed to move. It is important you have the correct attitude. You just have to enjoy it.

“The best thing about being a professional footballer is coming in to train every day. It is something very few people get the chance to do and I realise how fortunate I am. The worst bit is the jobs we have to do after training! But that is just part of the job. I clean Barry Robson’s boots, so I need to make sure they are spotless! Barry is a good guy who helps me. Willo Flood is also really good with the young boys and spends time with us. It is nice that two of the most senior players make such an effort with the young players. You have a lot of ups and downs in football so it is always good to have someone to go and speak to when maybe things are not going your way or if you are feeling a bit homesick.

“I grew up in Kilmarnock, where I went to St Joseph’s Academy. I played for Bellfield Boys Club before I joined Aberdeen at U13 level and I am a product of the Glasgow Centre where I was coached by Peter Weir. I trained on a Tuesday and a Thursday and because of the travelling involved, I was allowed to train with Lochan Amateurs on a Wednesday night. My dad was the manager there so they did not kick me too hard! Training with them helped with my fitness and then I played games with Aberdeen on a Sunday. There was a lot of travelling involved because every second Sunday I would have to come up to Aberdeen, but all the hard work was worth it in the end when they offered me a full time contract.

“I started my career as a central midfielder, I then moved back to centre-half and I have played left-back as well. When I have played for the U17s this season, I have played in centre midfield and when I have played for the U20s, I have been given a game at left-back so I changing between those two positions at the moment. I enjoy playing both roles and playing two different positions is good for my education. We will just have to see in the future where I am better suited.

“There is a big step up from the 17s to the 20s, bigger than I actually expected. The games are sharper, quicker and more physical. The players are more intelligent as well, they have a better understanding of the game. Playing at left-back, I have to concentrate all the time. My game has improved because now I am more defensive minded. Before I used to just bomb forward but I have matured a bit and understand my defensive duties now. I know I need to get a bit sharper in my play especially when I am in one v one situations, but that will come with the full time training.

“I knew coming in this year that I had another season at U17 level so even if I was not involved in the 20s team, I could still impress and continue my development at the younger age group. Breaking into the 20s this season was a good achievement for me as it is my first year as a professional. Hopefully I will get a chance one day at first team level. I know at a club like this I will get that chance if I prove myself and so it is up to me to work hard and take it.”

Whilst Aberdeen have no one involved in the Scotland first team at the moment, in the Youth ranks they have Daniel Harvie, Frank Ross and Aaron Norris who were part of the Scotland U16 side that won the Victory Shield. Michael, along with Richie Petrie, was part of the Schoolboy side last year and have moved up to the U17s along with Scott Wright and Michael Jones, while Scott McKenna and Craig Storie are involved with the U18s.

“I am still involved in the Scotland setup at U17 level. Playing for Scotland is a great experience. It is good to get away and gel with other boys from other teams. It is good to see the way the squad is developing and we are getting better after every get together we have, whether it be to play a game or to have a training camp. Of the current Victory Shield squad, I know all the three boys and

I especially know Daniel, as he is from the Glasgow Centre as well. He is also a left-back and is a decent player. It is very encouraging that at International level at U16 and U17 level we have such strong squads at the moment.”

With players like Michael waiting in the wings, the future of Aberdeen and Scotland looks bright.