After eight years supporting the Scottish FA’s schools programmes, McDonalds will now focus on assisting with the development of local football clubs. 

With a prime focus on some of the youngest age groups, the support will be used to help establish new four and seven a side teams. 

In Aberdeen City, Glentanar Boys Club along with ALC Lewis are working closely with the Scottish FA staff to provide new opportunities for young footballers and volunteers in their local area. 

 

Following visits to the local schools in their area, Glentanar hosted a ‘come and try’ evening at the Aberdeen Sports Village on Monday 11th October.  This event was supported very well by parents, children and Glentanar BC who had ten of their coaches in attendance to welcome the new players along. 

 

During the 90 minute session, the youngsters were provided with coaching in a number of themed activities and small side games.  Next week will see the first of the volunteer training evenings taking place.  Parents with an interest in assisting the new teams will have the chance to learn about coaching small sided games and basic techniques of football to young footballers.

 

Aberdeen FC’s Scottish FA Community Coach, Gavin Levey, commented: "It’s been great working with the two clubs and we’ve got some very dedicated people who really want to develop young players involved. 

 

"This was reinforced last night when coaches from all Glentanar’s teams up to the Under 16s came along to help with children aged 6-7 years old.  It just proved how committed the club are to the new initiative and I’m very confident that they’ll make a success of this."

 

Glentanar Boys club have already achieved Quality Mark status and are now also working towards the Development level of the award.

 

Both clubs aim to create new teams to enter the 4 v 4 programme in the Aberdeen area.  The McDonalds programme is also underway in Aberdeenshire, with Cuminestown YAFC already preparing their ‘come and try’ day and a potential new club looking to be formed in Balmedie.