EVERY first year pupil in Scotland will have the opportunity to play organised football from the start of the next academic year.
In an extension to the successful Bank of Scotland Soccer One initiative, all 32 local authorities in Scotland will participate in what SFA chief executive Gordon Smith described as a "momentous" scheme.
The SFA will provide coaches to take one-ho
ur after school training sessions on a weekly basis at 307 secondary schools throughout the country. "Looking back at when I was at school, football was really quite elitist," observed Smith. "Unless you were good enough to get into the school team, then you couldn't play football at school.
"That's why this is a landmark announcement for Scottish football. We want every school and every school pupil in Scotland to play football.
"We know that playing the game makes you fitter and healthier, but we also know that pupils who take part in football are more confident and, in many cases, see their academic results improve."
The Soccer One training sessions include a warm-up, technical drill and small-sided games and run throughout the academic year. Each school eventually forms a boys and girls' team who take part in regional and national finals.
The competitive element is regarded as of secondary importance, however, to ensuring maximum participation levels throughout the country. The programme is supported by investment from the Scottish Government's Cashback for Communities scheme which will allow Soccer One to be extended for second and third year pupils by 2011.
"Football is our national game," said First Minister Alex Salmond, "and can play a part in giving young people a positive start by encouraging exercise, discipline, citizenship and ambition.
"That is why I'm delighted to see the SFA's Soccer One programme expanding into every school. I hope that young people across Scotland will take advantage of the opportunities Soccer One offers."
