Ross Embleton’s charges take on AFC Totton on Tuesday in the first round of the FA Youth Cup, and McQuoid knows what a fantastic opportunity it is for the youngsters.
“When you are coming through the ranks, the FA Youth Cup is a massive thing,” he told afcb.co.uk ahead of the tie. “It feels like you are making your first steps towards a higher level and it’s a great honour.
“For a lot of the lads, it will be the first time they have played at the stadium in front of a crowd. It will be a good stage for them to prove themselves.
“They will not be used to playing in a stadium so it’s nice for them to get in to that environment and get a feel for it. It is tough for them, but they have to take the opportunity with both hands and step their game up.”
McQuoid first caught the eye in November 2005 when he played for the Cherries youth team as a 15-year-old in an extraordinary game at Wycombe Wanderers.
“Brett Pitman scored a hat-trick and we were 3-0 up, but they came back and we lost. It was a night of mixed feelings for me. I was really pleased to play, but it’s a big cup competition and it’s all about getting the result and I was devastated - we all were.”
“It’s all about getting through to the next to the next round, and then to the third round when the bigger teams are introduced.”
The striker also explained how important the support of the fans will be to the youngsters, and suggested that members of the first team are also looking to come to the Goldsands on Tuesday night to back them.
“I haven’t seen the youth lads play this season, but I’ll try and get down on Tuesday night. It’s always good to support the youngsters.
"We have all been there so we know what it means to them. I would urge as many supporters to go along as possible, because it’s a big night for the lads.”
The Cherries match against AFC Totton is on Tuesday 30th October at the Goldsands Stadium. Kick-off is 7.30pm and if the game is level after 90 minutes, a further 30 minutes of extra time will be played. If the game is still level after this, the game will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.
The winners of the tie have a home match against Hoddesden or Canvey, with the date yet to be confirmed.