Street footballers get hands on silverware

Sep 23 2011 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

YOUNGSTERS at a street football session in Abernethy were surprised by silverware as the Scottish Communities League Cup Trophy was brought to Powrie Park.

It was there as part of the cup’s national Trophy Tour of the country promoting respect, responsibility and tolerance to football fans and families throughout Scotland.

St Johnstone U19 players Ryan Hutchinson and Ally Worby presented the cup to young footballers as they took part in coaching sessions, and spoke to them about the importance of the values of respect, responsibility and tolerance on and off the pitch, encouraging positive behaviour and stronger communities.

This year’s Scottish Government sponsorship of the Scottish Communities League Cup is also funded by £1million taken from the proceeds of crime.

Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, said: “The Scottish Communities League Cup Trophy Tour is part of a package of measures building on the Scottish Government’s commitment to expand existing community football initiatives and help clubs, authorities and police in promoting positive behaviour through football.

“Scotland’s passion for football is legendary and the Scottish Communities League Cup tour will not only allow communities and fans to engage with the competition it will celebrate the positive contribution that football makes in our communities and encourage Scots to support their local team.”

Ryan Hutchison said: “It’s great to be able to use street football events like tonight’s to talk to the kids in our community about the wider, social aspects of football, and using the Trophy Tour as a means to get out and about in the community is a great idea.

“St Johnstone is committed to promoting the values of respect, responsibility and tolerance, and we’re happy to be working with the Scottish Government to help promote the Scottish Communities League Cup campaign.”

The trophy is touring the length and breadth of Scotland in the coming season visiting SFL clubs, schools, community hubs and other CashBack-funded projects and diversionary activities, engaging 12-16 year olds in football through coaching and educational aspects facilitated through a variety of partnerships stemming from the work of the Joint Action Group.

For more information on the Scottish Communities League Cup, ‘like’ it at www.facebook.com/ScottishCommunitiesLeagueCup.