Celebrating Harry Craig’s Journey from Grassroots to First Team.
22 August 2026 was a momentous day for local lad Harry Craig as he scored his first goal for the Montrose first team.
Harry made his first-team debut in December 2023 and signed his first professional contract in August 2025. Having progressed through the academy, he has completed the full Montrose pathway. from grassroots football and the Montrose Community Trust, through the academy and a loan spell with Montrose Juniors, to the first team.
Harry’s journey began with Montrose FC Youth, where he played for the 2007 age group, before spells with Forfar and Dundee United. He returned to Montrose to join the club’s academy, spending several seasons developing his game.
In December 2023, Harry made his first-team debut against Queen of the South after being called up from the academy. He continued to feature for both the academy and first team and was named Montrose Young Fans’ Player of the Year — a special achievement for someone who had previously travelled to matches on the supporters’ bus with his mates.
Harry then gained valuable experience on loan with Montrose Roselea in the season 24/25, Then Harry would sign his first contact in 2025 ahead of the 25/26 season nefore going on loan to Brechin City and Banks of Dee.
Now a regular first-team player and firm fan favourite, Harry has come a long way from grassroots football. His journey through the Montrose Community Trust, academy, local junior football and loan spells is a brilliant example of the hard work and dedication needed to reach the first team.
YFS were delighted to catch up with Harry following his first goal for the Gable Endies and celebrate a journey that began right here in Montrose.
Harry, how did it feel to score your first goal for Montrose after coming through Mo Tries FC Youth, Montrose Community Trust, Montrose Roselea Juniors, Montrose FC Academy and now the first team?
Couldn’t really describe the feeling, it was such a proud moment for me and my family to score my first goal for the club, especially with them in the stands watching me. Coming through at Montrose Youth etc the feeling was unbelievable.
When you first signed for the youth academy, did you ever think it was possible to go on this journey and reach the first team?
I did not no, i never imagined that I’d be playing games let alone scoring goals.
What are your goals for the rest of this season?
I think for myself personally it would just be to keep improving, keep working hard in training and for the team is just to keep up the run of form we’re on at the moment.
What advice would you give to young players playing for grassroots clubs and academies who are hoping to follow a similar journey?
If i was to give any advice to young players I’d just tell them the advice i was given, just enjoy your football and always give 110%.
