Keep up-to-date with the latest football activities in the Central region on Twitter @sfa_central

Walter Smith and Murdo MacLeod helped kick off this year’s School of Football programme at Vale of Leven Academy in West Dunbartonshire.

The Old Firm legends visited the school to see first hand the school in action.

Schools of Football develop the social and academic skills of boys and girls during their first and second year of high school by offering football coaching sessions within their timetable.

The programme sits alongside other subjects such as maths and English on the curriculum.

There are currently 22 operating nationwide within secondary schools across Scotland catering for over 600 pupils.

Overseeing the programme in the Scottish FA’s Central region is former Scotland international Jimmy Bone.

In total, almost 1000 young people have developed through the programme which is paid for by the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities fund.

Walter Smith said: “I don’t think there’s any doubt that the programme has been a success over the years.

“It has been rolled out all across the country.

“It’s always good to be asked to come and show your support for youth football initiatives.

“I hope this programme will continue for years to come.”

Murdo MacLeod said: “This programme gets kids playing football more often which can only be a good thing.

“I think this will mean the programme will have a benefit to the Scottish game in the future.”