Grange Academy in Kilmarnock has kicked off its first season as a Scottish FA School of Football.
The School of Football programme, funded by the Scottish Government's CashBack for Communities, is now in it's third year.
Cumnock Academy has been involved in the programme from the start, and this year Grange Academy becomes one of three new Schools of Football around the country, taking the total number to nine.
Children going into first year at each school were selected, based upon various criteria, to benefit from an enhanced football coaching programme as well as a wide range of academic and social development activities.
Using football as a tool to retain player interest, selection and retention in the programme is based very much on school attendance and academic improvement. The two new first year groups now join the current second year group at Cumnock Academy who have already enjoyed a fantastic year in the programme.
All three squads are pictured here after coming together for a three day summer camp at the Grange Academy. The players were put through their paces by Scottish FA coaching staff and ex Kilmarnock FC now Community Coach Alan Mahood and Ayr Utd Community Coach Scott Agnew currently with Stranraer FC.
The Schools of Football are funded through the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme, which diverts cash seized from criminal activities back into communities.