12 teams of S1 pupils from secondary schools in the Renfrewshire area were at Ferguslie Sport Centre, Paisley, today for a Bank of Scotland Soccer One festival.
Nearly 100 local boys played from 10am to 12.30pm at the festival, organised by the St Mirren in the Community and the Scottish FA regional development team to celebrate the success of the initiative in the region.
The schools involved included Paisley Grammar, Castlehead HS, Gryffe HS, Park Mains, Gleniffer, St Andrew's and Trinity HS who all participated in a tournament format over 4 pitches.
The final was won by Gleniffer High School, who defeated Gryffe in a penalty kick shoot out after a goalless game. The players won their school a new set of footballs, bibs and cones.
Bank of Scotland Soccer One is a national network of football activity running in participating High Schools across Scotland from August to June. Run in partnership with the Scottish FA and title sponsors Bank of Scotland, the programme aims to create new football teams in schools for boys and girls, regardless of ability.
Scottish FA development officer, Gary Hocknull, said: "Today's Festival was arranged to allow some competition for the local schools. We're running a similar tournament next Tuesday for S2 boys and then S1-S4 girls the following week.
"It's been a fantastic day and the boys have really enjoyed the games. Each school had lots of opportunities to play and the feedback has been great. A big thank you to the teachers and volunteers for bring their school along to the event as well as Ferguslie Sport Centre for accommodating us."