TWO pupils at Hermitage Academy have been celebrating after achieving success on the football pitch as well as in the classroom.

Tom Powell has been selected in the Scottish Youth FA West Region under 16 squad for the coming season, while Seren Galliers has been signed by Rangers Ladies to play in their under-20 team.

Reflecting first on Tom’s success, coach Ali Maule said: “This is a great achievement at the start of Tom’s first ever full season playing outfield.

“He made a transition from goalkeeper in the middle of last year but he has taken to his centre back position naturally and has gone from strength to strength.

“Tom’s ability and attitude towards improving both on and off the pitch have set him apart this season and at the trials shown by him being selected for such a high standard of football team.

“From all the club congratulations Tom, we are proud to have you representing the club at regional and national tournaments this season.”

Seren, meanwhile, wasted no time making an impression in her new surroundings, scoring in her first match - a 6-2 win over Falkirk.

Coach Maule continued: “Seren’s attitude towards training was also first class, and even though she was playing with boys her own age last season, she shone out and helped Helensburgh 03s to 19 wins in a row and a league cup triumph.

“Her ability has never been in doubt and she is expected to go very far in the next few years.”

Both young players are, or were, part of the Helensburgh 2003s squad run jointly by Maule and fellow coach Craig Kirkpatrick.

Maule added: “Two seasons ago the team was rock bottom with no wins and a team of players other clubs didn’t think were good enough for them.

“Through dedication from the team at training and matches alongside good coaching both individually and to the team, they’ve turned that around in style with two League Cups in a row.

“Although Seren will be a miss, we are pleased that she has moved on to a bigger team to continue her development.

“We are also buzzing for Tom to stay a part of the team and be able to bring back some knowledge and new skills from his time with the regional squad.”