The ‘juniors’ is something of a misnomer. It is semi-professional football – with its own governing body separate from the Scottish FA – where players can range from promising teens to former internationals in their 40s.
The fiercely competitive and unforgiving environment is no place for shrinking violets, as Stewart can attest. He still has the scars to prove it.
“The one I always think back to is when we played Pollok, who have a big junior ground,” Stewart recalled.
“I broke my nose that day. I can just remember being sparked out and getting called all the names under the sun. There’s no remorse for any type of injury at that level – you’ve just got to get up and get on with it.
“I tried to turn inside someone and I got a shoulder straight to the nose. There was blood everywhere, my nose was pointing sideways, and you’re getting called a ‘diving you-know-what’ and all that.”
His decision to drop down the levels paid off when Stewart’s eye-catching form earned him a move to the Scottish Professional Football League with third-tier Albion Rovers – but the deal came with a unique twist.
Kilwinning wanted £1,500 for their prize asset, but Rovers could only pay £1,000. Enter Stewart’s dad, Cameron, to make up the difference.
It has proved a savvy investment that has soared in value since, as the forward progressed to St Mirren, Ross County, Sunderland and then Southampton.
“Dad says me living out my dreams is enough for him, but I’ve probably paid him back in terms of complimentary tickets to watch my games now,” Stewart said.
“I’ve got a lot to thank him for. He played junior football too in his younger days, as a sweeper.
“So it means we have contrasting opinions on the game a lot of the time. He always gives it: ‘You’d have hated playing against me’.”
