Defender Calum Black who came through the youth ranks is realising his ambition at Clachnacuddin
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
CALUM Black says establishing himself as a first team regular at Clachnacuddin was his ambition ever since he joined the club’s youth set-up.
The full-back has been a regular presence in the Lilywhites defence this season and has produced a number of impressive performances this campaign.
Black (21) first joined the Merkinch outfit as a teenager when he was part of the club’s under-14 set-up.
The Inverness plumber progressed his way through the age groups to now be part of their Highland League squad.
And going away to play in the North Caledonian League to give him his first taste of senior football went a long way to make him the player he is today.
“This season I have become a better player,” said Black.
“I started off in centre midfield in my youth and when I first got into senior football, I got tried out at left back while I was at Loch Ness in the North Caledonian League.
“I have enjoyed playing there since and I have adopted the role, I am still learning every game but I am getting better.
“The North Caledonian League was a big wake up call going from youth football to senior football.
“It was a big step up especially physically.
“But the more you play the more you learn, the best thing I did was playing in the North Caledonian League week in and week out as it helped me out so much.
“I was involved in Clach under-14’s and got into the first team at the age of 16 and then went away to get more game time. I have come back with more experience.
“When I first joined Clach when I was 14, I just wanted to play for the first team, now I’m playing week in and week out and loving the set up with the coaches and the players.“
Clachnacuddin will look to get back to winning ways when they take on Rothes at Grant Street Park on Saturday.
Black says the team have performed well against clubs in the top seven and expects another decent showing at Merkinch.
“Most of the games we have played against the top five and six we have always given them a go.
“We are a young team and we are still learning and we look to do our best against the top teams as it gives us more confidence. It is something we can build on for the future.”
