Published on:
29
April 2013
The School of Football programme at Alva Academy continues to flourish with depute head teacher, Ian Ash speaking at the Scottish Football Association's School of Football Steering Group at Hampden.
The steering group consisted of members of the Scottish FA, school staff and representation from Local Authorities across the country.
The Alva Academy School of Football was asked to share its first year experience of the programme and was acknowledged as good practice.
Education Convener, Councillor Ellen Forson said: "The main focus of the talk that Ian delivered was partnership working between Alva Academy and Clackmannanshire Council's Sport Development which is key in delivering each School of Sport.
"In addition to this other partnerships have been created through the endeavour of both Alva Academy and Sports Development."
This is illustrated through the delivery of sessions by experts in other fields with dance expert Carole Percival putting all Sporting Futures pupils, including the School of Football, through an agility session which they not only participated within but learned from and enjoyed.
Other examples of partnership working which have been displayed during the programme's first year include forging links with local senior club Alloa Athletic Football Club.
Depute head teacher, Ian Ash said: "Alva Academy's Sporting Futures model was well received at the Scottish F A's Steering Group Conference for Schools of Football. The three schools of dance, football and rugby have all assimilated a common aim of Person First ".
"They have worked together, shared experiences and developed resources. Guest presenters have been thoroughly engaging because of their connection to sport and have been well received by the pupils who come together from all three schools for these presentations.
"Sporting Futures will more or less double in size next year as there are around 50 new pupils about to begin the programme and we hope to offer three new sports."
Selected pupils who participate within the School of Football follow an enhanced timetable that includes a period of football activity each day. Football is used as a tool to motivate the pupils, and their place on the programme depends on school attendance and academic improvement.
The School of Football is about more than just playing ability, it aims to develop better citizens, as well as develop skills in football through social and educational development.
Scottish FA Football Development Officer for the area Graeme Henderson said: "It is extremely pleasing to see the School of Football at Alva Academy being spoken about on the national stage. Without the use of partnership working between Clackmannanshire Council Sports Development, Alva Academy and numerous other partners this programme would not be able to take place and improve outcomes for children through playing football on a daily basis.
"Everybody connected with this project should take great pride in achievement."
Players are selected on footballing ability as well as a range of other criteria. Scottish FA coaches lead the selection and football aspects, but the programme is very much a partnership with local authority education department, teachers, active schools co-ordinators and football development officers.