Local primary school children from across East Dunbartonshire had an incredible morning of football, as the Tesco Bank Football Challenge visited the area for a fun-filled festival at the Allander Leisure Centre in Milngavie.

The 252 pupils from six primary schools are the latest to have taken part in ten weeks of coaching sessions as part of the Scottish FA’s flagship participation programme.

The Tesco Bank Football Challenge is a community programme run in partnership with the Scottish FA. The project introduces football to Primary Two and Primary Three children (six to eight years old) across Scotland to help get them engaged in a healthy and active lifestyle. The children have the opportunity to take part in activities such as mini games, ball skills and non-competitive challenges.

A remarkable 82,000 children across 2,000 schools in Scotland have benefited from programme over the last four years. Teachers and volunteers also continue to enjoy the Scottish FA’s in-service programme with over 3,500 now trained to support the growth of football in schools. The programme has benefitted from the support of a range of sporting stars including Alex McLeish, Arthur Numan and Owen Coyle.

Jim Kerr, Head Teacher at St Andrew’s Primary School in Bearsden, said:

“The children have had a great ten weeks of coaching with the Scottish FA and today marks a perfect end to the programme. They have learnt so many important skills since taking part.”

Kevin Murphy, Scottish FA Football Fevelopment officer said:

“The children from East Dunbartonshire have benefited from a brilliant programme of football over the last few weeks. We’re helping them become healthier, happier and more confident whilst promoting an enjoyment in the power of sport. The Tesco Bank Football Challenge is one of the most established parts of our primary school programmes, and continues to go from strength to strength in the Dunbartonshire area.”

Adele Mills, Community Investment Manager at Tesco Bank added:

“Over the past four years 80,000 children have participated in the Tesco Bank Football Challenge. The next four years will see even more children and teachers benefitting from coaching, CPD sessions and fun filled festivals. We’re committed to evolving the programme to create a legacy of more healthy, active and confident children in communities across the country, such as East Dunbartonshire. 

The primary schools attending the festival were: Wester Cleddens Primary School, St Andrew’s primary school, Westerton Primary School, Craigdhu Primary School, Colquhoun Park Primary School and Milngavie Primary School