Dalglish enjoys a day of football with local youngsters
Monday, May 14 2007
More than 400 pupils from Borders schools joined Scottish football legend Kenny Dalglish on Thursday 10th May 2007 to enjoy a day of football as part of the new SFA McDonalds Coaching Programme for Primary Schools.
The 4 year ‘coaching and games programme’, which is being developed by the SFA in partnership with McDonalds and Scottish Borders Council, aims to deliver 40 hours of activity via a 20-hour coaching programme and 20-hour games programme for Primary Seven pupils in 10 primary schools - Burgh, Balmoral, Duns, Earlston, Gordon, Melrose, Philiphaugh, St Margaret’s, St Boswells and St Peter’s.
In addition to the curricular coaching delivered by SFA trained coaches, a games programme will be established in these schools with the aim of creating a new boys team and a new girls’ team within all participating schools.
Drew Kelly, Scottish Borders Council Sports Development Officer, co-ordinated the event and was delighted with the turnout: “Today has been a great opportunity not only for local children to get together and enjoy a day of football but to celebrate the development of sport and football in the Borders. There is great work happening in our schools and this is supported by many teachers and individuals who have been on SFA coaching courses. To welcome such a great football legend like Kenny Dalglish to the area to witness the youngsters’ enthusiasm for football is a real honour. Everyone was truly star-struck”.
As the main regional festival in the South East of Scotland, the children used various inflatables to practice their football skills before being given the opportunity to try the skills learned, in the many small-sided games which were played on a fun basis with no points or trophies involved.
Jim Fleeting, Technical Director of the SFA, added: “The programme presents a great opportunity to make a positive difference to young people in Scotland. Through football we can contribute towards developing successful learners with improved self-confidence, provide a better understanding of healthier lifestyles and ultimately provide enjoyment through physical activity”.
For more information please contact the Sports Development Unit on 01896 756274.
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