Kids get their kicks at football festival

May 21 2008

About 200 children from across Hamilton took part in a football festival on May 13.

The event, organised by the Scottish Football Association and McDonald’s, was held at Hamilton Palace Sports Ground.

Primary seven pupils from 12 local schools were given the opportunity to learn new skills from SFA development officers and community coaches.

St Bride’s Primary, Bothwell, and St Elizabeth’s, from Hamilton, entered an essay competition organised by McDonald’s franchisee Jack Glen, in which they had to say why they deserved to win new football equipment. They both won packs of balls, bibs and cones.

Event organiser Peter Allan, football development officer for South Lanarkshire Council, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to receive some great coaching and also meet new friends during a fun-packed day.”

Craig Glen, business manager of McDonald’s restaurants in Hamilton and a qualified SFA Level 1 coach who participated in the coaching, added: “The festivals are a great way to bring football and fun together. They also demonstrate how grassroots football goes from strength to strength in Scotland thanks to the tireless commitment of the local coaches and development officers.”