Double act's reward is unearthing Lothian gems

But, with a combined service to school sport of almost 70 years between them, Messrs Henderson and Dempster have only their pride and success in West Lothian schools' football to show for their efforts.

Billy, 61, opposite right, and Ronnie, 52, have nurtured and administered the development of hundreds of players, many of whom went on to make a name for themselves, and many more who retain fond memories of school football - both at local and representative level.

Back in the halcyon days, Billy and Ronnie witnessed players such as ex-Manchester City star Paul Dickov (St Mary's Bathgate, now St Margaret's), former Nottingham Forest defender Terry Wilson (Whitburn Academy), as well as more recent internationalists Gareth Williams, Steven Tweed and Mark Burchill, emerge through schools' football in West Lothian.

"I remember I first heard the name Mark Burchill when I was with the under-13 team at Queensferry High School," says Ronnie. "He was at St Mary's Academy, and scored six against us in the first 15 minutes of a game!"

Billy played football at senior and junior level while a teacher of Physical Education and has coached school teams and national sides. Ronnie taught History and has acted as secretary at local and regional level.

Billy moved to West Lothian and Bathgate Academy in 1974, where, alongside his PE role he went on to act as Assistant Principal Teacher. He then taught at Blackburn Academy and was elevated to the role of Principal there, before becoming Head of PE at James Young High School. Today, he coaches an under-19 team in Whitburn and is head coach of the Scottish Schools' under-15 Girls team. Ronnie's dedicated his teaching career to Queensferry High School from 1981, retiring through illness seven years ago. "I've always loved football," he says. "On my second day at Queensferry, I was watching the first year team trials and I was asked if I liked football, and they said: 'We've found someone to take the team!'

"I became the football rep at Queensferry and it just mushroomed from there." Without pay and, seemingly, enough incentive to attract coaches, school football's struggle, says Billy, could prompt a strong case for the Scottish Government to offer recompense to coaches, as is the model in much of mainland Europe.

"I know abroad that games teachers are paid extra, and here, now, it's become difficult for teachers to marry volunteering with the workload they're given."Even PE teachers are under a lot of pressure."

In contrast to the ambitious, wide-eyed young hopefuls who continue to grace school football pitches each week, Billy and Ronnie work in the shadows, reluctant to claim fame or honours.

David McKenzie, Head Teacher at Linlithgow Academy, says: "For as long as I can remember, Billy has been involved in schools' football. He's full of enthusiasm and energy and has a passion for football and kids' football.

"Billy and Ronnie are both very organised and expect the same organisation - at times it's challenging to keep up with their standards. They're passionate about West Lothian and, although it's a small area, have always insisted it should be independent from the other Lothians. It's always worked for our boys because the area has always had some players who have been at Scottish trials and in international teams."