New league gives young goal-getters a chance

The seven-a-side competition is for secondary pupils attending Assisted Special Needs (ASN) schools in central Scotland and aims to encourage greater participation from youngsters with additional support needs.

Former Scottish international star and North Lanarkshire football development officer, Andy Smith, has worked hard to set up the league.

He said: “We have been working in partnership with the SFA (Scottish Football Association) during the last couple of years to provide weekly coaching sessions within our ASN schools.

“The pupils and coaches have really enjoyed the sessions and we have some very talented footballers within these schools.

“We are hoping to expand the league in the future and include more local authority teams as football provides a great way of encouraging the pupils to enjoy exercise and become part of a team game.”

For the full story see this week’s Cumbernauld News and Kilsyth Chronicle.