Former Celtic defender and Hibernian manager Alan Stubbs visited St Benedict’s Primary School in Easterhouse, Glasgow to mark the start of the new season’s Tesco Bank Football Challenge.

The footballing legend met primary two and three children as they enjoyed a training session with Scottish FA coaches, and even joined in with the activity, that has now reached over 140,000 children throughout the country.

The Tesco Bank Football Challenge now in its eighth season is run in partnership with the Scottish FA. The programme introduces 20,000 primary school children across the country each year to a healthy and active lifestyle using the power of sport.

Over 95% of schools in Scotland have now engaged with the country’s leading football participation programme. Teachers and volunteers also continue to enjoy the Scottish FA’s in-service programme with more than 8,700 now trained to support the growth of football in schools.

Alan Stubbs said: “It was great to visit St Benedict’s Primary School and to be part of the Tesco Bank Football Challenge – a fundamental programme in teaching children the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

“Learning to enjoy sport at this age is what’s important, and the Challenge helps children to have fun with football whilst instilling the benefits of staying active.”

Andy Gould, Scottish FA Director of Football Development commented: “A big part of the Tesco Bank Football Challenge is showing children the positives that come with a healthy and active lifestyle, and it’s fantastic that Alan Stubbs was able to visit the children and demonstrate this.

“Our philosophy of ‘football for all’ underpins our One National Plan which aims to increase participation and grow the game across the country. For many children, the Tesco Bank Football Challenge provides them with their first football experience which is why the programme is an important part of our strategic plan.”

Adele Mills, Senior Community Investment Manager at Tesco Bank, added: “Our Community Programme encourages children to develop positive, lifelong habits and have fun whilst doing so.

“We’re delighted that Alan Stubbs was here to see the Tesco Bank Football Challenge first hand, and that the children got the chance to meet such a positive role model for the sport. We’re committed to ensuring children understand the importance of keeping fit and active and look forward to involving more children in the programme over the next year.”