New Kickstart project launched in Kelty to help pupils ahead of switch to high school

Police Scotland Fife Division’s ‘Kickstart’ initiative is operated in collaboration with Fife Council, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, SACRO and Active Schools Fife, as well as Cowdenbeath, Kelty Hearts and Dunfermline Athletic football clubs.

Working with kids in the Cowdenbeath schools cluster, the scheme aims to engage with them ahead of transitioning to secondary school and teaches them skills such as teamwork, decision making, problem solving, social responsibility and ways to improve their health and wellbeing.

It uses the framework of the life of a footballer and three players – Cowdenbeath goalkeeper Blair Penman, Kelty Hearts midfielder Stephen Husband and Dunfermline striker Callum Smith – have been recruited as project ambassadors.

Cowdenbeath Area Community Sergeant Caine McIntyre commented: “This is the second year we have run the project and it was massively well received in the first year.

“Police Scotland, in partnership with the local primary schools in the Cowdenbeath cluster, Beath High and the SFA, Dunfermline Athletic, Cowdenbeath FC and Kelty Hearts, run a project for kids at primary level who have found things challenging at school.

“We look at the transition from primary to secondary as well as using the framework of the life of a footballer.

“They receive inputs from school, partner agencies and football coaches to help them gain confidence in various aspects of their lives.”

The youngsters involved in the project sign contracts agreeing to follow certain standards throughout the course, and Chief Inspector Stevie Hamilton added: “We have been working with Fife Council, local High Schools and other relevant partners to provide some really excellent opportunities for Fife’s young people to get involved with.”

Kickstart is one of a number of initiatives using engagement and enforcement launched by Police Scotland’s Fife Division to keep the Kingdom safe.