Published: Thursday, 27th September, 2007 09:00
SFA chief kicks-off new football scheme to put kids on right path
Print Article
ON THE BALL: Youngsters, from left, Callum Perry, Mati Campbell and Ross Cargill with Gordon Smith and Pars director of football Jim Leishman, who is a patron of the new partnership.
WEST FIFE football wannabes were put on the path to emulating home grown Fife stars such as Scott Brown and Greg Ross with the launch of a new scheme this week.
New SFA chief Gordon Smith was at Pitreavie on Saturday for the kick-off of the Fife Football Partnership.
The aim is to provide a path for youngsters to play the game from under-eight level right up to 21.
Kids will be able to play fun four-a-side games up to the age of nine before switching to seven-a-side until they hit 12. Then they’ll join in developmental 11-a-side games up to under-15 level before playing full 11-a-side games from 16s to 21s.
This pathway has been created by organisations such as Pitreavie-based Fife Soccer 7s, the Central & East Fife Soccer Sevens, Fife Football Development League, Association of Fife Youth Football Clubs, Fife Council, Scottish Youth Football Association and the SFA all coming together in what is a first for Scotland. It’s thought that nearly 3000 Fife kids are currently playing football organised by the member organisations in the partnership.
West Fife-based SFA youth football development officer Gordon Forrest told Press Sport, “This will have a big benefit in terms of overall football development and will create a better environment for young players to participate in and enjoy their football, first and foremost.
“It would be great to have someone come through the pathway to represent Scotland but it’s also about kids participating and being active in a positive environment. For boys and girls of any ability, there is a recognised pathway that will help them find the right route for them.”
The scheme is a first for Scotland and was praised by new Scottish chief Smith when he saw kids at all ages being put through their paces at Pitreavie during his visit.
“I’m delighted to help launch the Fife Football Partnership which provides a clear vision for football participation in the area for boys and girls of all ages,” he said. “The new partnership has been made possible thanks to the hard work of so many unsung heroes in the region, many of whom dedicate hours of free time every week to help youngsters across Fife develop their skills and enjoy their football.”
Chairman of the partnership Scott Forrest added, “There’ll be enhanced opportunities for kids of all abilities. Really exciting times lie ahead for everybody.”
l The Fife Football Partnership is looking for a sponsor. Call Gordon Forrest on 314643 for details.
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Pars boss gets go-ahead to strengthen for title push