Legendary youth coach Jackie Sutherland honoured with City of Inverness Medal at half-time in Caley Thistle's SPFL Cinch Championship tussle with Queen's Park
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A great unsung hero of Inverness football who has devoted more than seven decades to youth coaching was today honoured by the city at the Caledonian Stadium.
Jackie Sutherland (90) became just the fourth person to be awarded a City of Inverness Medal before taking a half-time bow to warm applause from fans at the Caley Thistle v Queen’s Park match.
Generations of talented kids have been nurtured and improved under his guidance, many progressing to professional careers.
Mr Sutherland, who also worked tirelessly on wider community projects, was presented with his medal by Provost Glynis Campbell-Sinclair.
The Provost said: “Jackie has given long-standing and life-long support and commitment to Inverness Youth League and Inverness Street League by raising funds and widening local players’ horizons with trips to tournaments abroad.
“Jackie is now 90 years of age, and he has not been formally recognised before for his unselfish commitment to youth development.
“We were keen to right that wrong.
“There are thousands of boys who hail from the Inverness area who were inspired to be better men by having contact with Jackie.”
Working alongside the late John Beaton, Jackie was instrumental in producing a conveyor belt of local football talent.
He took charge of Boys’ Brigade, youth league and street league teams and also worked with former Highland League club Caledonian, successor Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Among the players to have benefited from his experience and talents are Charlie Christie (ex-Celtic), his son Ryan (ICT, Celtic, Bournemouth and Scotland), Kevin Macdonald (Leicester City and Liverpool) and Billy Urquhart (Rangers).
A modest recipient, Mr Sutherland said in the run-up to the presentation: “I was embarrassed when I received the Provost’s letter. It came out of the blue.
“But it is a great honour to be recognised by your own people. I love what I am doing. Being involved in youth football keeps me young and active.
“I am still out several nights a week at Milton pitches doing what I can. I am very much looking forward to August 5 and seeing faces, old and new.”
Mr Sutherland remains treasurer for the Inverness Street League, devoted much time to the Boys Brigade, including serving as captain of the 7th Queen Street Brigade.
He also was a voluntary driver for local charity SNAP.
