Today Wednesday 18th May, local primary school children from across Edinburgh had an incredible day of football, as the Tesco Bank Football Challenge visited the area for a fun-filled festival at Easter Road Stadium supported by first team player Niklas Gunnarsson.

The 320 pupils from Craigentinny, St Mary’s, St John’s, Parsons Green, Lorne, Hermitage Park & St Ninian’s Primary Schools are the latest to have taken part in six weeks of coaching sessions as part of the Scottish FA’s flagship participation programme.

Over 100,000 children across every school in Scotland have now enjoyed taking part in the country’s leading football participation programme which aims to teach Primary Two and Three children (six to eight years old) basic football skills and get children active. The children have the opportunity to take part in activities such as 4v4 games, ball skills and non-competitive challenges.

The UEFA Awarded Programme has also given additional training and support to more than 5,000 teachers through Scottish FA led in-service courses ensuring that football and sporting activity continues in schools after the Challenge moves on.

Tesco Bank’s Community Programme helps more than 70,000 children each year through its partnerships with the Scottish FA, The Reading Agency and the National Galleries of Scotland. The Football Challenge has benefitted from the support of a number of high profile football stars including Andrew Robertson, Robert Snodgrass and David Marshall.

Stewart McGuire, Scottish FA football development officer said:

“The children from Edinburgh have spent the last few weeks having fun and learning new skills as part of our six week coaching course. We’re proud to be helping them become healthier, happier and more confident whilst promoting the importance of an active lifestyle. The Tesco Bank Football Challenge is a well established part of our primary school programme, and continues to go from strength to strength in the Edinburgh area.”

Chris Newton, Community Manager at Tesco Bank added:

“We’re very proud that over 100,000 children across every school in Scotland have now benefitted from our UEFA Awarded programme, which has seen children grow in confidence, develop their skills and be active. We’re committed to creating a legacy in communities across the country and it’s fantastic to see so many children from Edinburgh enjoying themselves today at the Tesco Bank Football Challenge whilst keeping fit and healthy.” 

The primary schools attending the festival were: Craigentinny P.S., St Mary’s P.S., St John’s P.S., Parsons Green P.S., Lorne P.S., Hermitage Park P.S. & St Ninian’s P.S.