The Scottish FA’s Performance Schools have been running since 2011 and applications are now open for the sixth intake of the programme.

Seven Performance Schools run across Scotland in Aberdeen, Dundee, Falkirk, Motherwell, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Kilmarnock, delivering an extensive, challenging programme for the most talented young footballers in the country.

The aim of the Performance Schools is to develop excellent football players whilst also improving academic and social skills.

They have proved successful thus far with participant’s attendance rates 3-5% higher than the average pupil. 

Recent graduates have also gained better academic results by 15% in their National 5’s.

 

So far, three youngsters who have come through the schools have been signed by English sides with Kieran Freeman joining Southampton, Jordon Elliott playing for Swansea City and John McCracken moving to Norwich City. 15 others have signed with Scottish clubs.

The programme is for boys and girls, running from S1 to S4 where pupils learn communication skills, following instructions, being creative and problem solving which can be applied to other situations in the classroom, in the playground, or at home.

There are seven full-time Performance Youth Coaches including former professional players Brian McLaughlin, Ian Ross, Iain Jenkins, Greg Miller and James Grady, who have responsibility for the delivery of the programmes in each school. 

Andrew Goldie, and Stuart Glennie bring a wealth of experience in youth coaching to complete the team.

New Performance Director Malky Mackay said: “The Performance Schools is a tremendous initiative and has proved successful in its early stages with players already joining clubs in the English Premier League and in Scotland.

“These schools help children become more rounded men and women and will give them a better chance in life as well as developing their football skills, helping them on to a higher level.”

The seven Performance Schools are as follows:

Hazlehead Academy – Aberdeen

St John’s High School – Dundee

Broughton High School – Edinburgh

Graeme High School – Falkirk

Holyrood Secondary School – Glasgow

Grange Academy – Kilmarnock

Braidhurst High School – Motherwell

Click here to find out more information and to apply for a place at a Performance School

Please note they are for Primary 7 pupils entering S1 in August 2017 and the programme is for players who are eligible to play for Scotland.