The Scottish FA performance coach at Grange Academy in Kilmarnock believes the East Ayrshire school will contribute to producing the country’s next generation of technical footballers.
Andrew Goldie is providing up to 20 young footballers – selected for their potential to develop within the Scottish FA’s elite player system – with 90 minutes of coaching every day.
The first term began last week.
“The need to produce players which are capable of qualifying for major tournaments has been well documented in recent times,” the former Dundee United and Hamilton Accies youth coach said.
“The Scottish FA’s Regional Performance School project is a significant investment into nurturing the many talented players we have here.
“I have already began to see improvements among the players since we started last week.”
Andrew said it was important for the players –some of whom have come to the school outwith their area – to feel settled and part of the school.
“I want my players to be comfortable with the routine of study and football,” he added.
“I have been very impressed with the attitudes the players have shown so far.”
More than £15m has been committed over the next four years by the Scottish FA, with more than 100 of the country’s most promising male and female footballers benefiting from technical, tactical and lifestyle development by specially appointed Scottish FA coaches.
Seven Performance Schools have now been established across the country.
Each school has a commitment to making football part of the daily curriculum, designed to double the number of sessions for pupils and help them strive for the gold standard of 10,000 hours of practice.
Scottish FA performance director Mark Wotte has said the ultimate aim of the project would be to see players who have harnessed their skills in this system represent Scotland at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.