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Henry McLeish Review of Scottish Football

Friday, 23 April 2010

Part One: Grassroots, Recreation and Youth Development

Today, Henry McLeish presents the first part of his Review of Scottish Football. The review was commissioned in May last year and since then the former First Minister has explored the game’s grassroots - the foundation on which football is built in this country.

He asks a series of searching questions and draws significant conclusions that will have a dramatic impact on the game in this country. The report contains evidence on the true state of Scottish football; an assessment of the problems, issues and challenges; and makes recommendations on implementing the strategy needed for improvement.

Henry McLeish: “I have been greatly encouraged by the strength of feeling and diversity of opinion encountered during the process of producing this report. I hope that the recommendations will strike a chord with football fans throughout the country.

“I am grateful to the Scottish FA for demonstrating their willingness to implement some key recommendations and I would like to thank the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League for their invaluable input, along with everyone else who contributed to a review I hope will shape a brighter future for Scottish football.”

George Peat, Scottish FA President: “I would like to thank Henry McLeish for dedicating his time to publishing part one of his Review of Scottish Football. The Scottish FA realises the importance of improving the overall football landscape in this country.

“With Henry’s guidance, we will help drive the implementation of key recommendations outlined to enhance the standard of our national game.”

Download the review on the right

Key recommendations (Indexed)

• Appointment of a Performance Director (130
• Scottish FA/SPL/SFL to work more closely and effectively together (25)
• £400m facilities improvement scheme (47)
• Duty of care and jurisdiction for Scottish FA to coach children from the age of five (2)
• More coherence, focus, co-ordination and direction from the Scottish FA (6)
• Opening of school estates and improvement in council plans (39/43)
• Summer football calendar adopted at youth level (1)
• Create at least 20 Schools of Football and increase participation to 10,000 hours of football (18/9) 
• Establish a Golden Pathway, with heavier emphasis on elite (29)
• Harmonise and redefine the work of the regions (17)
• More strategic approach to professional/amateur structure (22)
• Professional clubs, Highland League, South of Scotland and East of Scotland to play larger role in developing the game (49)
• Expanded remit for Scottish Football Partnership (52)
• Implementation of Physical Literacy programme as part of a national revolution in sport and fitness (32/33)