On Monday 6th October 2014, Alva Academy School of Football S1 pupils were kindly invited along to the Indodrill Stadium, home of Alloa Athletic, for a guest session with the club's Head of Youth Development Graeme Liveston and first team manager Barry Smith.

Pupils were put through their paces and weren't shy in expressing their ability and showing off their skills infront of the club's coaches.

Football Development Officer Martyn Buckie said: "It was fantastic that Barry and Graeme could give up their time to put on a session for our S1 group. Every player was engrossed with what they were shown and gave 100% effort. When doing a Q&A session at the end it was great to hear Barry talk about how important school was to him and that the pupils should focus on their studies as well as their football training. This really puts the programme into perspective for the players."

The Scottish FA Schools of Football are about more than just playing ability, they aim to mould better citizens and develop social and academic abilities through the vehicle of football.
As part of the programme pupils follow an enhanced timetable which includes a period of football activity every day.

Football is used as a tool to motivate the pupils, enhance their social skills such as communication, listening and behaviour with the programme’s success being evaluated through factors such as school attendance and academic improvement.