Robbie Stewart: Scotland’s young hope

The 17-year-old from Airdrie currently plays in the left-back position for the Caledonian Braves; however, his journey to playing for Scotland's School Boys is something out of a movie.

The agile left back began his career at Airdrie Boys Club; this is where he truly fell in love with the beautiful game and also when things started picking up for the youngster.

Stewart said: "I started at Airdrie Boys Club, and then obviously after about four or five years, St Mirren came in for me when I was about nine, and then I signed a three-year contract with them."

The left back started his football journey at one of the best football academies in Scotland with St Mirren. However, a football career is more often than not very unpredictable, and it was with St Mirren that he was unexpectedly let go after three years with the club.

The left-back said: "I was with St Mirren for about seven years or so and then unfortunately got released at 16. I've been with the Caledonian Braves ever since."

        Stewart for the Caledonian Braves who which he desribes as “family”.

When reflecting on his time with St Mirren, he describes himself as "lucky" to have played with top players and to have been coached by great managers.

He recalls: "It was weird for me, but for football it is expected to go through highs and lows. I was quite young when it happened, but I am lucky that I had my family around me, and it brought me to where I am now."

The left back's journey with the Caledonian Braves then came into fruition when he signed with the club in February 2022. Since then, he has been an integral part of the squad, and he has proudly established himself as the first choice left-back for the Braves.

An important achievement the 17-year-old is immensely proud of is the fact that he also represents Scotland Schoolboys, which is the Scottish National Football Federation's under-18 team at the international level.

Stewart said: "It was the proudest moment of my life; to have my friends and family witness me play at that level was unbelievable."

Although he is playing for Scotland at an international level so young, the left back expressed how

important it is to keep level-headed, especially when you are playing at an international level.

He confessed: "I would love to win something for Scotland; that's like the ultimate dream, but it's best to keep calm and not get way ahead of yourself and take the games one by one."

The Braves player has a history with football, as his father was also a player, and he referred to his father as the key reason for his love for the beautiful game.

The left-back recalls: "My dad played when he was younger; he was semi-pro, and he kind of passed down his love for football, especially like Rangers, down to me."

The two bonded over his international debut for Scotland and shared a pivotal "heartwarming" moment with his family.

Stewart recalls: "They were immensely proud of me, especially my dad; it meant so much to him and all that he has given to my career; playing for Scotland hit different."

The left back's last game with Scotland's schoolboy team against the Republic of Ireland was a special performance with Stewart even scoring a goal.

The Braves player obtained his call-up to Scottish international duty due to his spectacular performances with his club, The Caledonian Braves. He is the Brave's first choice as a left back, thus leading him to play an impressive 27 games this season and also earning Player of the Month.

He reveals: "I'm really excited to see where this international duty takes me; it's already changed my life, so I'm excited about the future."

At only 17 years of age, Robbie Stewart has already made his mark; he is definitely a name we will be hearing about in the future, and who knows, maybe he can lead Scotland to some silverware.