Ross McCrorie
My first football team I joined was Girvan Youth at the age of 7 where I played for 3 years which was one of the most enjoyable times of my young career. I then joined Rangers Youth Academy and that was where I developed myself to become the player I am today. I represented Scotland at all age groups and captained the age groups of under 17’s, 19’s and 21’s. My next aim is to become a full international. My senior career to date I have played for Ayr united, Dumbarton F.C, Rangers F.C, Portsmouth F.C and now I am currently playing with Aberdeen F.C where I am thoroughly enjoying my time so far.
Pupil Questions
What were you like as a pupil at Carrick Academy? How does this differ/stay the same to how you are as a person now?
At school I would like to think of myself as very switched on and driven but probably immature at times as well however. I made a lot of friends at school whom I am still close to today. Now I would say I am very mature and Independent for my age which I think is due to me moving away from home at 16 years old which I feel has made me grow up a lot faster.
During your time at Carrick, which teacher/teachers had the biggest influence on you? Why do you think this was the case?
I got on well with every teacher at school… Well I would like to think so ha-ha. Biggest influence was probably Mr Wright who helped me a lot in getting my grades and also he understood the opportunity I had to become a footballer and how hard I would need to work which I am grateful for. For example at times during P.E he would let me sit out if I had a big game that night as he knew how important it was to me.
Was the career path you took the one that you had originally planned? If not, what were your aspirations at school?
My career aspirations were always to be a footballer I always had that drive that I was going to make it as one and do whatever it takes which includes a lot of sacrifices.
How hard has it been to have success in your field? What has enabled you to achieve your success?
Extremely difficult. On the eye everyone thinks footballers have it easy but I have dedicated my life to this field. Juggling football and school during my early days was difficult but Carrick were extremely helpful and understanding. As I got older a lot more pressure and expectation was involved however I’m lucky as it’s something that I seem to thrive on.
Were there any particular subjects from your time at school that you feel have helped you on your journey?
English was big for me as it has helped during my time as a professional athlete especially with media/interviews. Also P.E as it gave me a better understanding of how the body works and different areas on how to improve physical performance.
What words of advice would you give the current pupils of Carrick Academy in relation to school and life beyond school?
I have always stuck by following your own path don’t follow the crowd. If you want to be successful in your chosen field don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done and if they do use it to add fuel to the fire.
At school I would like to think of myself as very switched on and driven but probably immature at times as well however. I made a lot of friends at school whom I am still close to today. Now I would say I am very mature and Independent for my age which I think is due to me moving away from home at 16 years old which I feel has made me grow up a lot faster.
During your time at Carrick, which teacher/teachers had the biggest influence on you? Why do you think this was the case?
I got on well with every teacher at school… Well I would like to think so ha-ha. Biggest influence was probably Mr Wright who helped me a lot in getting my grades and also he understood the opportunity I had to become a footballer and how hard I would need to work which I am grateful for. For example at times during P.E he would let me sit out if I had a big game that night as he knew how important it was to me.
Was the career path you took the one that you had originally planned? If not, what were your aspirations at school?
My career aspirations were always to be a footballer I always had that drive that I was going to make it as one and do whatever it takes which includes a lot of sacrifices.
How hard has it been to have success in your field? What has enabled you to achieve your success?
Extremely difficult. On the eye everyone thinks footballers have it easy but I have dedicated my life to this field. Juggling football and school during my early days was difficult but Carrick were extremely helpful and understanding. As I got older a lot more pressure and expectation was involved however I’m lucky as it’s something that I seem to thrive on.
Were there any particular subjects from your time at school that you feel have helped you on your journey?
English was big for me as it has helped during my time as a professional athlete especially with media/interviews. Also P.E as it gave me a better understanding of how the body works and different areas on how to improve physical performance.
What words of advice would you give the current pupils of Carrick Academy in relation to school and life beyond school?
I have always stuck by following your own path don’t follow the crowd. If you want to be successful in your chosen field don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done and if they do use it to add fuel to the fire.