Bobby Wales

Bobby Wales (born 23 June 2005) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a forward for side Alloa Athletic, on loan from  club Kilmarnock.

Kilmarnock
Wales was born in Kilmarnock and grew up watching the side at Rugby Park. He played for local club Hurlford United's youth side Hurlford Boys' Club, where he was scouted by Kilmarnock's under-18s coach Craig Clark. Wales signed his first professional contract with Kilmarnock on 17 July 2021. He immediately started playing for the U18s, making his debut in a 2–1 win over Hearts U18s. He scored his first goal at that level in a 2–1 win over Hamilton Academical U18s.

Wales made his Scottish Challenge Cup debut for Kilmarnock B against Cowdenbeath, and was among the scorers as his side won 3–0. He made his Scottish Premiership debut on 29 October 2022, coming on as a 90th minute substitute for Ash Taylor in a 1–0 loss to St. Johnstone. He had to wait for two months before he got his first start for Killie, replacing Innes Cameron, who injured himself before kick-off; Kilmarnock lost 3–1 to Heart of Midlothian. Wales made 10 appearances in the 2022–23 campaign, including two starts, but scored no goals. He did score 25 times, however, in the development squads, including two in the SPFL Reserve Cup final against Dunfermline Athletic. He was awarded the Rising Academy Star award at the end of the season.

Wales was loaned to Scottish League One club Alloa Athletic in September 2023.

International career
Wales was called up to the Scotland under-17 side in their bid to qualify for the UEFA Under-17 Championship in Israel. He made his debut on 30 October 2021, in a 3–2 victory against Albania U17. Scotland U17 qualified and Wales was called up once again for the tournament itself; He featured twice – a 3–1 loss to Denmark U17 and a 1–0 loss to Sweden U17. Scotland U17 were eliminated without winning a game.

Wales was then called up to the Scotland under-19 side as they attempted to reach the UEFA Under-19 Championship in Malta. He made his debut on 16 November 2022 in a 1–0 loss against Iceland U19. Scotland U19 qualified and Wales was called up once again for the tournament itself (he was also selected for two friendlies beforehand, and scored in a 2–2 draw with Wales U19). Wales played in Scotland U19's opening game of the tournament on 6 September 2023, a 3–0 loss to Belgium U19.