Scholarship to remember tragic footballer

FOOTBALL scholarships are to be offered in memory of a promising young Edinburgh footballer killed in a training accident three years ago.

Craig Gowans, 17, an apprentice central defender with Falkirk FC, was electrocuted as he set up equipment for a training session and a pole he was carrying came in to contact with powerlines.

Now Stirling University has announced it has teamed up with Falkirk to offer football scholarships named after Craig. They will allow talented players to combine their sport with a university degree.

It is the first time in the UK a university has joined a professional club in offering football scholarships.

Scholarship players will benefit from up to £2500 a year throughout their degree, which will cover the cost of essential requirements including accommodation and equipment. The first four scholars will take up their place this September.

Stephen Morrow, of Stirling University, said: "This is an exciting and ambitious initiative for Scottish football."