The School of Football has kicked off a week early with players attending school during the last week of their holidays. It was a chance for the new group of 1st years to get used to their surroundings as well as meet their older counterparts who are returning for their 2nd and 3rd year of the programme.
The sessions ran over three days and were led by Ian Ross, Coach and Player Development Officer with the Scottish FA, who will work with the players every day during the school year. Ian was assisted by a range of coaches over these days who also delivered some sessions, including a specialist goalkeeping coach and a sports scientist helping to give the programme a well-rounded and varied approach to skill acquisition and tactical development of the players.
Rector Mr Derrick Hannan said “I was absolutely delighted to see the energy and enthusiasm displayed by the pupils during the Football Summer School. The skill level is very high and will improve through what is a fantastic football development programme. The players have taken part with tremendous enthusiasm over the course of the week hopefully a sign of things to come for the looming school session.”
The pupils are selected for the programme from across North Lanarkshire, with over 200 pupils attending the trials every year. This programme which has been very successful, with very high quality coaching over the 2 years it has been running and there is no doubt this will continue into the coming school year.