THE youngsters of Crossgates Primrose Youth Football Club 2011s haven't let lockdown stop them showing off their skills – and even enlisted some star help.

Corornavirus may be stopping the squad of 23 players from strutting their stuff in the Fife Soccer 7s at Pitreavie but around half of them came together, virtually, to produce an online showreel of their talents.

Taking inspiration from videos they had seen of other teams, coaches Allan Shields and Alan Dair suggested that the Primrose players record themselves doing some ball skills before they were brought together in one video.

And, while the youngsters stole the show, they received support from some well-known faces in the game – including from a former Scotland player and manager.

Craig Levein, who has also managed the likes of Hearts, Dundee United and Leicester City during his career, gave the team a message and joked: "I was going to join in so I went and looked for my football strip but, as you can see, I can hardly breathe in this thing, never mind run around.

"I went to look for my boots and they've seen better days as well so, if you don't mind, I'm not going to join you in the challenge, but well done once again."

Joining the Crossgates kids in taking part were Dunfermline star Callum Smith and his brother, and Hearts midfielder, Connor; current Pars coach Jason Dair; and ex-Athletic skipper Scott Thomson.

Allan, whose son, Dylan, takes on the role of shot-stopper in the video, said: "It turned out really well.

"I'd seen a couple of teams doing it from down south and when one of the other coaches, Alan Dair, was on the phone, we thought we should do this.

"We have a wide variety of abilities in the team, so it was a case of putting out a message. I think family or friends of Alan are related to Connor and Callum Smith, and it was through that I think we managed to get Craig Levein. I loved his humility and it showed the character of the guy.

"It was great to piece it together and show the boys that they still have a team there. I loved that they all went and got their strips on, and the dad of one of the kids, Danny, messaged to say that he wanted to start with a rainbow kick and 10 keepy-uppies, and was out there for three hours!

"It gets the parents involved as well, as they get to film it and give the kids a bit of direction, so I think they got a lot out of it as well.

"It's been well received."

The team, which has been going for four years, recently made the step up to seven-a-side having previously played fun fives, but only played one league game prior to lockdown.

You can watch the video by visiting Crossgates Primrose FC's Facebook page.