The young stars of Celtic and Rangers were not the only ones being celebrated at last week’s Scottish FA Youth Cup Final.
The 4th annual 'College Student Football Volunteer' project awards also took place at Hampden that night, celebrating students who have volunteered at West Region Youth Football events and have gained Scottish FA Coach Education certificates.
In particular Nathan Wallace (Metropolitan College), Colin Scott (North Glasgow College), Smart Osadolar (Nautical College) and David Keane (Cardonald College) were recognised for their outstanding efforts on the programme.
In return for delivering the Scottish FA’s Soccer One secondary school programme the students are provided mentoring from other programme coaches, fantastic work experience for their CV and the chance to improve their qualifications through coach education courses.
Each volunteer works at local schools providing coaching to S1s for 20 weeks of the year. They support the weekly games programme led by Glasgow City Council’s Gary Doctor at Toryglen Regional Football Centre and they also get the chance to co-ordinate festivals throughout the year.
The programme has now led to full-time employment within football for 12 students – with Craig Joyce now full time within the Scottish FA West Region.
With support from Glasgow City Council Education Services and Glasgow Life, the Scottish FA West Region has provided coach education awards from Level One to Level Three for over 130 students.
The programme has provided over 3000 voluntary hours and over 20 festivals have been co-ordinated with each college arranging and delivering a Christmas event.