Published on:
29
January 2013
The School of Football at Alva Academy was launched this year with the backing and support of Clackmannanshire Council's Sport Development Department, the Scottish Football Association and the school itself.
It involved participating pupils receiving four periods of football training per week within curriculum time from the area's Football Development Officer, Graeme Henderson.
Scottish FA Player and Coach Development Officer for Central Region Jimmy Bone visited the School of Football at Alva Academy recently for a question and answer session with the 19 participants involved within the programme.
And last week the pupils welcomed Atta Yaqub, the Scottish FA's Equity Officer for Central Region, who delivered a session looking into the topic of racism within football.
Jimmy, whose playing career included spells at Partick Thistle, Celtic, Sheffield United and Norwich City as well as manager of Airdrieonians and being capped for Scotland, was on hand to offer advice to the players on the importance of training hard as a group and grasping this opportunity with both hands.
Education, Sport and Leisure Convener, Councillor Ellen Forson said: "The players took great pleasure in questioning Jimmy on his playing and coaching career and were extremely impressed with the knowledge former striker shared.
"The visit and stories from Jimmy were an eye opener for the boys as to what can be achieved within the game and again signifies the pride they should feel for being part of such a programme."
Atta looked in depth at the area of racism within football and the explanations surrounding the topic, which was grasped very well by the 19 pupils.
Atta aided in developing the pupils understanding around the subject and was on hand to answer the many interesting questions posed by the pupils. There was a clear expression of appreciation by the pupils after the talk with many realising the importance of developing the true understanding of racism and what may or may not be offensive to others.
Atta expressed his beliefs of generating an understanding of racism at an early age:
He said: "In today's diverse culture it is vitally important for young people to develop a definitive understanding of the topic of racism so it is clear for them."
Football Development Officer Graeme Henderson highlighted the importance of these visits for the pupils of the School of Football.
He said: "This programme is about more than just the participants improvement on the pitch and the sight of its main focus should not be lost that we are trying to improve these young people in order to help create better citizens for tomorrow.
"That is why the visits of these two fantastic individuals were so important and worthwhile. All of the pupils thoroughly enjoyed both visits, as highlighted by the enthusiasm shown and questions asked on the day. I personally would like to thank Jimmy and Atta for visiting the school and I'm sure the pupils are looking forward to them returning soon."
The school of football is part of a sporting vision from the management of Alva Academy called "Sporting Futures", this includes dance and rugby.
Whilst the participants of the school of football will improve their fitness and technical skills, it is anticipated there will be improvements in attitude, behaviour, personal responsibility and academic achievement.
The school of football is a partnership with the Council's Sports Development, Scottish F.A. and staff of Alva Academy, There is a head coach and several guest coaches in the school every week and regularly there are specialists in nutrition, psychology and fitness who support the develop of the pupils in the school of football