Supporting Two World Cup Teams
For most Scots following the World Cup, their allegiance is clear. However, Jack and Heather Souttar from Luthermuir in Aberdeenshire have a unique situation this year. Their son John is making his World Cup debut representing Scotland in the blue jersey, while their younger son Harry plays for Australia in bright yellow.
Their pride in both sons is immense, but it presents a logistical challenge. Jack and Heather plan to attend two first-round matches that are 3,000 miles apart and six days apart in schedule. They remain hopeful and flexible should both teams advance further in the tournament.
"It's a big thing, I suppose. We want to support both kids and both countries. Then the ball's in the air for the rest of it," Jack said.
Players' Careers and Background
Both John and Harry are defenders. John currently plays for Rangers, having previously been with Dundee United and Hearts. Harry, who also began his career at Tannadice, had a stint at Stoke before joining Leicester City.
John earned his first cap for Scotland in 2018, while Harry has been part of the Australian national squad since 2019, a connection made possible by their mother Heather's Australian birth.
Family Dynamics and Football Rivalry
The Souttars enjoy the success of both sons and note a friendly rivalry between them. Jack describes their relationship:
"They're fairly close brothers, though there was a bit of scrapping when they were younger. They're always talking to each other about games. They're always looking out for each other, that's for certain."
Football's Role in the Souttar Family
Football has been integral to the Souttar family. Jack played for Brechin in his youth, and all five Souttar children—three sons and two daughters—have played and followed the sport passionately.
Managing the children's football commitments required significant dedication and organization over the years.
"I think the big thing is that it was never a task for us," Jack explained. "We trained at Dundee twice a week. Then we were going down to Glasgow twice a week and training down there."
The boys' careers have taken the family across the UK, including stops in Dingwall, Fleetwood, and Stoke.
"We were all over the country supporting them and, to be fair, we both really enjoy football. It was excellent. We didn't want to be grumpy parents. We treated it as a holiday."
Previous World Cup Experience
This World Cup is not the first for the Souttar family. In 1998, when Scotland last qualified for the finals, Jack attended with their eldest son Aaron and a group of family friends. At that time, toddler John stayed home with Heather, who was heavily pregnant with Harry.
"I never made it," Heather recalled. "I was very pleased that they went and I said 'well, I'll go to the next one'.
"But here we are, 28 years later for the next one. I've waited a while."
Now, the toddler and baby bump from 1998 are both playing at the World Cup.
This year, four generations of extended family and friends will attend the tournament, with Heather coordinating the arrangements.
Sadly, Aaron, the eldest sibling, will not be present. He passed away in July 2022 at age 42 after a long battle with motor neurone disease. Both John and Harry credit Aaron with influencing their careers and regard him as a role model.
World Cup Participation and Potential Matchup
Harry represented Australia at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, while this year marks John's debut.
The family faces the intriguing possibility that Scotland and Australia could meet, potentially pitting the brothers against each other on the field.
"I think the feelings are very similar for both the kids," Jack said. "I don't think, because we're from Scotland, our feelings for Harry are any less.
"We're just so proud - as any parent would be - for their kids doing well. In any sport or any walk of life."
Looking Ahead to USA 2026
Heather looks forward to the next World Cup in 2026 as an opportunity for the family to create new memories.
"On the football side we'll have new stories, because we've heard the France '98 stories for years, so we'll have lots of new stories and new memories for all the family," she said.
"Memories and stories forever and that's all you can want for families, isn't it?"
