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Paul Hartley has praised the Scottish FA’s School of Football programme for its benefits to pupils on and off the pitch.

The former Scotland international, along with Alloa Athletic coach Malky Boyle, recently took time out of managing the Wasps to visit Alva Academy where he took part in training and a question and answer session.

He said: “It's been great to work with these young players and watch some of the talent which has been on show.

“This is an excellent opportunity they are receiving to improve not only their footballing ability but their school work too which is important.

“It is important the young players work hard, listen to their coaches and enjoy themselves.”

Schools of Football develop the social and academic skills of boys and girls during their first and second year of high school.

Scottish FA football development officer for the area, Graeme Henderson, said: "First of all I would like to express my appreciation to both Paul and Malky for taking the time out of their busy schedules to work with the players.

“All of the pupils involved had a great experience and I'm sure will remember it for a long time to come.

“Who knows maybe one day one of these young players will return here to play for the first team."

Schools of Football are funded by the CashBack for Communities, a Scottish Government programme which takes funds recovered from the proceeds of crime and invests them into free activities and programmes for young people across Scotland.