Local Youth Football Innovation

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Local Youth Football Innovation

Recent weeks have seen the first steps being taken towards the establishment of an exciting new partnership that will provide improved opportunities for young footballers in the area.
Combining the current Breadalbane youth football teams and Strathtay Boys Club, who have long run regular football for local boys in Grandtully, Breadalbane/Strathtay Youth Football Club will operate next season with the express aim to “foster and promote football for children and young people in Highland Perthshire.”
By combining the resources, manpower and experience of the two existing clubs, it is hoped that a cohesive, vibrant, community club can be

established in the area which will provide real opportunities for young footballers to develop and enjoy their football at all levels. Sides will be entered in local leagues and play competitive matches on Sundays, but there will also be weekly training sessions and friendly participation on Saturdays. These sessions will be open to footballers of all abilities – boys and girls.

Four Levels

The club will form four teams at the following levels:

• An Under-10 side, which will compete in 7-a-side competition and play their home games at Grandtully.
• An Under-12 side, which will also compete in 7-a-side competition and play their home games at Grandtully.
• An Under-14 side, which will compete in 11-a-side competition and play their home games at Grandtully.
• An Under-16 side, which will compete in 11-a-side competition and play their home games at Aberfeldy.

The initiative has already provoked interest from the Scottish Football Association,With this encouragement, and added support from the Highland Perthshire Sports Trust, the club is working towards fulfilling the criteria that can see them being awarded an SFA Quality Mark Development Award. This seal of approval, which has the backing of both UEFA and the Scottish Executive, rewards community based clubs who develop coaching structures and administrative standards that can allow youngsters to go on and play at the highest possible level.

SFA Qualifications

As part of these criteria, club coaches are already working towards their SFA qualifications and a long-term strategy is being put in place that will guarantee a lasting legacy in the area for years to come. The result will hopefully provide a genuine pathway for youngsters aged 8 and upwards to progress to adult level, enjoy their football and fulfill the potential that they have, without having to look beyond the Highland Perthshire region to do so.
Of course, the success of this initiative can only be ensured with the backing of the local community and willing volunteers.

The support and co-operation of Breadalbane Football Club, Strathtay Boys Club and the Highland Perthshire Sports Trust have provided the impetus for this development and the club hopes that others in the area will be keen to get involved – whether it be as coaches, drivers, kit men and women, first-aiders or just as supporters.
For further information on the club, or how to get involved, contact Gavin Price on 01887 820418 or 07879401167.

by Gavin Price