Scottish football living legend Jimmy Bone has joined the Scottish FA Central region office.
 

The twice capped Scotland international is to oversee the running of five Schools of Football in the Stirlingshire area.
 

“Schools of Football provide pupils with coaching which can improve their performance in school as well as on the pitch,” he said.
 

“In my forty years in football, working in the School of Football programme has been the most rewarding.”
 

Jimmy, who had a successful career as a player at clubs such as Partick Thistle, Hearts and St Mirren, has been a coach for over 30 years.
 

He joins the team from the East region office where he ran Schools of Football in Tayside and Fife.
 

Jimmy’s transfer to the Central office is somewhat of a homecoming – he was born in Fallin and attended Stirling High School.
 

Wallace High School, Alva Academy, Braidhurst High School, Larbert High School and Vale of Leven Academy - all part of the School of Football programme – will now benefit from Jimmy’s vast experience.
 

“I have spent four years at a School of Football and know the benefits it can bring to young people,” added Jimmy.
 

“It is a very rewarding job which allows me to continue coaching.
 

“There are many examples of pupils improving their attendance and performance in class.”
 

Schools of Football are supported by the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities initiative which puts criminals’ ill-gotten gains to a good use with the Scottish FA being one of four national CashBack sports partners.
 

The Scottish FA Schools of Football are about more than just playing ability, they aim to mould better citizens and develop social and academic abilities through the vehicle of football.
 

As part of the programme, pupils follow an enhanced timetable which includes a period of football activity every day.
 

Football is used as a tool to motivate the pupils, enhance their social skills such as communication, listening and behaviour with the programme’s success being evaluated through factors such as school attendance and academic improvement.
 

If you would like more information on the Schools of Football in the central area, please call the Scottish FA Central website at www.scottishfa.co.uk, select regions and then central, or call 01786 467 165.