Wallace High School pupils enjoyed a visit from a Scottish PremierLeague (SPL) star on Wednesday, March 28.
Motherwell’s Michael Higdon (28) answered questions from players attending the Scottish FA’s School of Football – run within the Stirling school.
“It’s great to visit and provide advice and, hopefully, inspiration to these young players,” he said.
“The School of Football here is a great way for these kids to learn about the game.”
Former Dundee United and Motherwell player Ian Jenkins – now a Scottish FA coach at the School of Football – set up the visit due to his friendship with fellow Scouser Higdon.
“I’ve known Michael for years and was assistant manager at St Mirren when he was there,” he explained.
“The pupils here will hopefully take inspiration from meeting an SPL player.”
Answering questions from the players – aged between 11 and 13 and selected for their footballing ability along with other off-field factors – Higdon said: “You have to be dedicated.
“It also helps to be able to use both feet, something my dad instilled into me at an early age.
“The most important thing is though is to enjoy it.”
The Scottish FA, in partnership with the local council, operates 16 Schools of Football throughout the country - part of their mission to get more people playing the game.
The School is funded by cash from criminals’ ill-gotten gains as part of the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities initiative.